EP1249183A1 - Assembly for fastening a shoe to a gliding apparatus on snow or ice - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for retaining a boot on a gliding board which comprises a boot, a retaining device intended to be integrally connected to the gliding device (18), a connection interface (5) between the shoe and retainer. The link interface is connected to the retaining device by a link releasable in the event of excessive stress, the shoe being retained on the link interface by a link with automatic fitting fitted with a voluntary opening member. Said automatic footwear connection comprises a voluntary opening member (39) on board the shoe for maneuvering the movable retaining element (36) of the shoe from its retaining position to its release position. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for retaining a boot on a sliding or walking on snow or ice.

In the field of alpine skiing, rigid type shoes are commonly used, which are retained on the skis by restraint systems capable of releasing the shoe in case of excessive stress.

Due to their rigidity these shoes are not suitable for walking or practice other board sports.

Studies have been carried out in recent times to propose shoe systems and retaining the shoe on the gliding device where the shoe is better suited to the walking and where the shoe retainer on the machine is likely to release the shoe in case of excessive stress.

Thus we know from patent application FR 2 295 768 an interface device between a shoe and a gliding board which comprises two shoe retaining stages, a lower stage which retains an intermediate element on the ski in a releasable manner in the event of fall, and an upper stage which connects this intermediate element to the shoe. This last connection allows automatic putting on, it is not releasable in the event of a fall and upon opening voluntary.

Such a system is also known in the field of alpine ski touring where finds restraint systems comprising an intermediate plate on which the shoe is retained by a rear element with automatic closing and opening voluntary. The plate is held on the ski by two recalled fingers elastically by a spring. In the event of excessive stress, the fingers release the plate and the shoe.

For this system, the shoe is taken by its front and rear tips. For the first system on the contrary, the shoe is taken by a retainer located in the part central sole.

In both cases, the lever which ensures the voluntary release of the shoe is linked to the intermediate element or ski.

An object of the present invention is to improve systems of this type by facilitating the operation of the body which controls the voluntary release of the shoe.

This improvement is obtained according to the invention by making the operating member more easy to grip and handle.

Thus, the invention provides a system for retaining a shoe on a board slide which includes a shoe, a retaining device intended to be connected jointly on the gliding device, a connection interface between the boot and the device retainer, the link interface being connected to the retainer by a releasable link in case of excessive stress, the shoe being retained on the connection interface by a automatic footwear link equipped with a voluntary opening member.

The system is characterized by the fact that said link with automatic fitting includes at least one fixed retainer mounted on the interface, with at least one retainer, that the shoe comprises at least one movable retainer between a retaining position where it is provided to cooperate with the fixed retaining element for ensure the retention of the shoe, and a release position where it escapes the element of fixed retainer, and a voluntary opening member on board the shoe for maneuvering the movable retainer of. the shoe from its retaining position to its release.

By being associated with the shoe, the voluntary release organ becomes easier to catch for its user and easier to maneuver. It is indeed possible to reassemble it higher along the skier's leg, for example at the top of the upper shoe, and to maneuver it more easily, for example by a pulling movement to the top.

The invention will be better understood by referring to the description below and to the drawings attached to it.

Figure 1 is a side view in partial section of a system according to a first mode for implementing the invention.

Figure 2 is a top view in partial section of the central mushroom mounted on the ski.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view and partial section of the intermediate plate.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the system of Figure 1 seen from the front.

Figure 5 shows the mechanism which is inside the shoe housing.

Figure 6 relates to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 7 shows another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 1 represents the central portion of a ski 1 on which a shoe 2 is retained by a link interface 3.

Shoe 2 is of any suitable type. Preferably, it has an envelope relatively flexible outer which can be plastic, textile or other appropriate materials, and an internal liner. Preferably also its sole has rounded front and rear ends to facilitate the unwinding of the foot during the market.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the interface 3 is generally presented as a plate whose dimensions in plan are of the same order of magnitude as those of the sole shoe. The plate includes two front and rear boxes 6 and 7 and a recessed area central 8 located between the boxes. The hollowed out area leads to each side of the plate.

Each of the plate housings 6, 7 contains a finger 10, 11 guided in sliding longitudinal in a housing which opens into the recessed area 8, and a spring 12, 13 of recall of the finger in a position where it projects inside the zone 8. A stopper threaded 14, 15 makes it possible to adjust the initial compression of the spring 12, 13.

A central mushroom 18 is mounted integrally on the ski 1. The mushroom has overall the shape of a cylinder of revolution. Its diameter is slightly less than the length of zone 8, and its thickness is equal to or slightly less than the height of the hollow area 8 so that the interface plate 5 can be positioned on the ski with the central mushroom housed in zone 8. On the front and rear the wall of the mushroom is hollowed out of two housings 19 and 20. These housings are designed to accommodate the end fingers 10 and 11 under the effect of the thrust of the return springs so as to retain the plate on the mushroom in a position where it is directed along the defined longitudinal axis by skiing.

The end of the fingers has a rounded shape, and the housings have an opening flared by ramps. Thus, if the plate is subjected on the part of the shoe to stresses which exceed a determined threshold, it dissociates from the fungus, releasing so the shoe.

Such a system is in fact known from patent application FR 2 363 343 cited here by way of reference.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the plate 5 is surmounted towards the middle of its length of a U-shaped stirrup 25, with two lateral wings 26 and 27 each pierced a hole 28, 29. The stirrup is integrally connected to the plate. Preferably, the wings have upper parts flared according to guide rails towards the holes 28, 29.

A sole housing 33 housed in the central part of the sole of shoe 2 is provided to fit into the bracket 25, between the wings 26 and 27. The housing 33 is reported in a housing provided in the shoe sole. Alternatively, it can be dug in the thickness of the sole and closed by a cover. Transversally, the box 33 carries two projecting studs 36 and 37 which have a diameter substantially equal to that of the the stirrup 25, and preferably a rounded end. The pads 36 and 37 are retractable, they can be retracted inside the sole housing 33 by action on a handle 39. According to the invention, this handle is associated with the shoe. The handle is located at the height of the upper part of the shoe upper. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle is free, it is connected to a cable 38 which runs through the shoe to the housing 33, between the outer shell and the inner liner.

Figure 5 shows by way of example a mechanism integrated in the sole housing 33 which retracts the studs. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pads 36 and 37 extend inside the housing by a bar 40, 41. The assembly is guided by example by projecting ribs 42, 43 to ensure transverse guiding of the pads 36 and 37.

The bars have in their central zone a notch 44, 45 in which a zipper 48. At the notches 44, 45, the zipper 48 has two portions inclined in a opposite direction relative to the longitudinal direction defined by the sole housing.

The pull tab is connected to the end of the cable 38, and is returned by a tension spring 49 attached to a wall of the sole housing. A pull on the handle 39 is transmitted to the cable 38 and animates the zipper in a longitudinal movement which attracts the two studs 36 and 37 towards the inside of the sole housing. When the traction ceases, the spring 49 recalls the two studs projecting from the side walls of the sole housing 33.

The sole housing 33 with its studs 36, 37 is provided to cooperate with the stirrup 25 and its holes 28, 29 to ensure the retention of the shoe.

To engage his shoe on the interface plate, the user presents the case of sole 33 between the wings of the stirrup. The pads 36 and 37 engage between the wings 26 and 27 of which the flared shape forces the studs to retract inside the housing until they are in look at the opening of holes 28 and 29. The studs then enter the holes under the action return spring 49.

To release his shoe, the user exerts traction on the handle 39 which is transmitted to the pull tab 48 by the cable 38 so as to cause the studs to retract.

When the shoe is engaged in the stirrup, preferably, the front and rear of the sole rest on elastically compressible cushions 53 and 54. The assembly is provided so that when the shoe is engaged, the sole rests on the cushions by compressing slightly when the studs are at the height of their retaining hole.

In the case of normal use of the device, the interface plate 3 is put in place first on his mushroom so as to be retained on the ski. Then the user engages his shoe in the stirrup 25.

During the practice of sliding, if the shoe exerts on the ski a stress excessive, the connection between the plate 25 and the ski triggers, which releases the boot.

The user puts the plate back in position on the mushroom in order to be able to continue the slips.

To release his shoe voluntarily, the user exerts traction on the handle 39. The fact that this handle is associated not with the plate but with the shoe makes it more accessible. Indeed, the handle is associated with an element of his ski suit which he carries on him. In the embodiment which has been described, the handle is at the height of the upper part of the rod, so it is more within reach of the user's hand, easier to grab. In addition, it is expected that the handle will be actuated by a pull, which is a completely natural movement taking into account the position of the user when he grasps the handle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a variant implementation of the invention. According to this variant, the plate housings 55, 56 which contain the retaining fingers 57 and 58 are connected in solidarity with the ski at a predetermined distance from each other, which corresponds for the previous embodiment to the length of the hollowed-out area 8.

The interface device 59 comprises a mushroom 60 which is designed to engage on the fingers of the boxes. The mushroom is surmounted by a stirrup 62 similar to the stirrup 25 previous, and the shoe is equipped at the sole with a sole housing 63 of same nature as the previous housing 33, with two retractable pads actuated by a handle 64 which is embedded on the shoe and is located towards the upper part of the upper. The handle is connected to the sole housing 63 by a cable 65.

Preferably, two elastically compressible cushions 66 and 67 are provided on the housings 55 and 56 for supporting the front and rear parts of the shoe sole.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7.

The ski 71 is equipped with a mushroom 72 of the same nature as the mushroom 18 of the Figure 1. The interface 77 includes on the bottom a plate 73 which has two sole housings 74 and 75 which contain the retaining fingers, and a hollowed-out central zone 76 provided for cap the mushroom 72. On the top, the interface device has a cradle 78 with two front wings 79, 80 and two rear wings 81, 82 between which the shoe sole is engaged in ski position.

The front fenders have housings 83, 84 in the form of a hook open towards the front which are extended forward by guide rails 85 and 86.

The rear wings 81 and 82 have retaining housings 89 and 90 with ramps of guide 91, 92.

On the side of the shoe, the sole has four transverse studs protruding along lateral edges of the sole. For example as shown, the studs are mounted on a sole housing 95 attached to the underside of the shoe sole. Only the studs 96 and 97 located on the left edge of the sole are visible in Figure 7.

The front studs are fixed. The rear studs are retractable and can be folded away inside the housing 95 by pulling on a handle 98 preferably located in the part upper of the rod, and connected to the housing by a cable 99.

The distance between the front and rear wing housings is equal to the distance between the front and rear studs of the sole.

To engage the shoe, the user presents the front studs on the ramps 86 and 87, then lowers the heel of the shoe so that the rear studs cooperate with the ramps 91 and 92. These ramps act as a funnel, and guide the rear studs towards their retaining housing 89, 90, while bringing the front studs to the bottom of their housing 83 and 84. The ramps 91 and 92 also force the rear studs to retract until they are find in front of their holding housing.

Preferably, when the studs are in their respective retaining housing, the sole shoe is raised relative to the bottom of the cradle 78.

In the event of an accidental fall, the plate 73 triggers relative to the mushroom 72, and releases ski with the shoe.

For a voluntary release of the shoe, the user actuates the handle 98 which is finds associated with his shoe.

Naturally this description is given for information only, and one could adopt other implementations of the invention without departing from the scope thereof.

In particular, provision could be made for the hollow area of the plate to be closed laterally by a thin wall which continuously extends the walls side of the boxes.

Also, instead of a handle, one could provide that the release member voluntary shoe is other than a pull handle it could be for example a lever articulated on the envelope of the shoe.

The system for hanging the shoe on the plate could be different. Instead of retractable studs we could have retractable hooks that hang on a rod transverse to the plate.

Other modifications are possible for example at the level of the stud section, and retaining fingers, in the shape of the housing for receiving the fingers. At the level of shoe, you could only have one mobile stud, the other stud being fixed. Instead of being associated with the housings, the fingers and the springs could be mounted inside the mushroom.

Finally, the invention is not limited to the field of alpine skiing, it could be applied for other board sports, notably short skiing or snowboarding.

Claims (10)

System for retaining a boot on a gliding board (1, 71) which comprises a boot, a retaining device intended to be integrally connected to the gliding device (18, 55, 56), a connection interface ( 5, 59, 77) between the boot and the retaining device, the link interface being connected to the retainer by a link releasable in the event of excessive stress, the shoe being retained on the link interface by a link to automatic boot fitted with a voluntary opening member, characterized in that said automatic fitting link comprises at least one fixed retaining element (25, 62, 78) mounted on the interface, with at least one retaining member (28, 29, 89, 90), that the shoe comprises at least one retaining element (36, 37, 97) movable between a retaining position where it is intended to cooperate with the fixed retaining element to ensure the retaining of the shoe, and a position of liberatio n where it escapes from the fixed retaining element, and a voluntary opening member (39, 64, 98) on board the shoe for maneuvering the movable retaining element of the shoe from its retaining position to its position release. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the voluntary opening member (39, 64, 98) is located in the upper part of the shoe upper. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the voluntary opening member (39, 64, 98) is a pull handle which is at the height of the upper part of the shoe upper. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the handle (39, 64, 98) is connected to a cable (38, 99). System according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable retaining element or elements (36, 37, 97) is mounted in a housing (33, 63, 95) located under the sole of the shoe. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the cable (38, 99) connects the voluntary opening member (39, 64, 98) and the housing. System according to Claim 6, in which the shoe comprises an external envelope and an internal liner, characterized in that the cable (38, 99) runs between the envelope and the liner. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the said automatic boot connection comprises two movable studs (36, 37) located in the central part of the shoe sole, projecting relative to the lateral edges of the sole. System according to claim 8, characterized in that elastically compressible cushions (53, 54, 66, 67) are provided to support the front and rear parts of the shoe sole. The system of claim 1, said automatic boot linkage comprises two fixed studs (96) and two movable studs (97) located towards the front and the rear of the sole shoe, projecting from the lateral edges of the sole.

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