EP1279419B1 - Alpine ski - Google Patents

Abstract

The alpine ski (1) has a raised section (5) to carry the bindings formed by a thickening in the ski structure. The ski has an insert (12) over a section of the ski length. The insert is positioned between the upper face (6) of the raised section and the edges (9). The exterior surface of the insert is flush with the side faces of the ski. Claims include a method of making the ski

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of snow sports, specifically an alpine ski. It is more particularly a ski which comprises a zone of enhancement of the attachment formed by an over-thickness of the ski structure itself. The invention makes it possible to optimize the mechanical properties of a ski having such a structure. The invention also provides a method for making such skis.

Previous techniques

In general, the upper face of the ski is equipped in the area of the pad with a safety fastener consisting of a stop and a heel. For various reasons, and in particular to facilitate the tilting of the ski from one edge to the other, it seeks to elevate the elements of the binding relative to the sole of the ski. This elevation can be obtained in different ways, and for example through the use of a lift platform screwed, or more generally secured, to the upper face of the board. Numerous types of platforms have already been proposed such as in particular that described in US 5 879 019.

It has also been proposed to raise the attachment, not by using an additional element attached to the board, but on the contrary by configuring the structure of the board so that it has an over-thickness forming the zone itself. of enhancement. Thus, in document FR 2 718 650, there is described a ski whose structure comprises, at the level of the shoe area, an additional element raising the upper face of the ski, relative to the areas of the spatula and the heel. This elevation forms an enhancement zone on which are mounted the abutment and the heel. Another example of an enhancement zone created by a particular configuration of the structure of the board itself is described in document FR 2,686,520, corresponding to document US Pat. No. 5,346,244. Document US Pat. No. 4,300,786 describes a cross-country ski having lateral housings capable of accommodating interchangeable stiffening elements.

It is conceivable that the influence of this raising zone formed by the structure on the mechanical properties of the board is important, and in particular induces a significant stiffening of the pad area. An object of the invention is to modulate this influence, to obtain a ski whose dynamic behavior can be optimized.

Presentation of the invention

The invention therefore relates to an alpine ski which comprises at least one zone for raising the attachment formed by an extra thickness of the structure of the ski forming a projection at the region of the pad. The ski may comprise a single raising zone, which accommodates the two elements of the binding. This raising zone can also be divided into two parts, a first part receiving the stop, the other part receiving the heel. For some cases, only the stop or the heel can be mounted on an enhancement zone.

According to the invention, this ski is characterized in that it comprises an insert disposed on at least a portion of the length of each of its lateral faces. This insert is located between the upper face of the raising zone and the edges, and overflows inside the structure of the ski, and its outer face is flush with the lateral face of the ski.

Thus, at the level of the raising zone, on its lateral flanks, the ski comprises elongated pieces which may extend over all or part of the length of the raising zone. These pieces may be located in the raising zone itself, that is to say above the level that the ski would have if it did not include the raising zone. These inserts may also be below this level, above the edges. The presence of these inserts, and in particular their dimensions and the material used, affect the overall stiffness of the structure, especially in the area of the pad.

Thus, in a first embodiment, the inserts may be formed by elements of a less rigid material than the materials that form the core of the ski at the raising zone, so as to impart cushioning properties to the ski. The behavior of such a ski can thus be closer to that of a traditional ski equipped with a platform attached to its upper face, since the inserts have a compressive capacity which allows slight movements of the upper part of the ski. the raising zone in relation to the rest of the ski. This ski, however, retains the benefits of an enhancement area integrated into the structure of the ski. Indeed, the central part of the ski being thicker, it is possible to use low density materials to lighten and at the same time obtain a stiffness equivalent to that of a ski having a reported platform.

In another embodiment, the inserts may be formed by elements of a more rigid material than the materials that form the core of the ski, at the level of the raising zone, so as to increase the stiffness of the structure. In this case, the stiffness of the ski in the area of the pad, is substantially increased by the characteristic inserts, without weighing down the structure compared to a ski equipped with a reported platform.

Advantageously, in practice, the inserts may be substantially parallel to the upper face of the raising zone.

In practice, the inserts may extend towards the median longitudinal plane of the ski, and not be present only near the lateral faces of the ski. In other words, the depth of these inserts can be optimized according to the overall stiffness that is desired for skiing. The two inserts may for example come into contact with one another, at the median longitudinal plane of the ski, over at least a part of their length.

In an advantageous form, the inserts are distant from the sole of the ski of a height greater than the minimum thickness of the ski, measured between the spatula and heel areas. In other words, the characteristic inserts are preferentially located in the portion of the ski forming the raising zone of the binding.

In practice, these inserts affect the board, but they can also serve as anchoring zone mounting screws of the binding, depending on their position within the structure.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the ski described above. Thus, during this process, the various components of the ski are placed in a mold between a bottom and a mold cover.

• avant moulage, on dispose au-dessus du fond du moule, entre le fond et le couvercle, et au-dessus de chaque face latérale, des éléments additionnels, pénétrant à l'intérieur du moule,
• après moulage, on arase les portions des éléments additionnels qui dépassent des faces latérales de la zone de rehaussement.

The process according to the invention is characterized in that:

• before molding, above the bottom of the mold, there is provided, between the bottom and the lid, and above each lateral face, additional elements penetrating inside the mold,
• after molding, the portions of the additional elements protruding from the lateral faces of the raising zone are raised.

In other words, the inserts are made from pieces that are placed in the mold, but that exceed the final shape of the ski. These additional elements, as well as various layers located above, in particular the upper protective layer, are then leveled to form the lateral faces of the ski, which makes it possible to obtain the final shape of the characteristic inserts, with their external face flush with the side face of the ski.

In a particular embodiment, it is possible to place, above the additional elements, a rigid element intended to be integrated in the raising zone. This rigid element can, as the upper protective layer, overflow laterally, to be leveled during finishing operations.

In a particular form, it is also possible to place above the additional elements, a reinforcement layer which projects beyond the bottom of the mold, this reinforcement layer then being leveled with the additional elements forming the inserts.

This reinforcing layer can also be set up below the additional elements, and be treated in the same way.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective sommaire d'un ski conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté du ski de la figure 1,
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe selon les plans III-III', IV-IV' de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe analogue à la figure 3, montrant une variante de réalisation.
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon un plan VI-VI' de la figure 2,
• les figures 7 à 12 sont des vues en coupe d'un ski montré au fur et à mesure de l'enchaînement des étapes du procédé de réalisation conforme à l'invention, et de certaines variantes d'exécution.

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

• FIG. 1 is a summary perspective view of a ski according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the ski of FIG.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views along the planes III-III ', IV-IV' of FIG. 2,
• Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3, showing an alternative embodiment.
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view along a plane VI-VI 'of FIG. 2,
• Figures 7 to 12 are sectional views of a ski shown as the sequence of steps of the embodiment of the method of the invention, and certain embodiments.

Way of realizing the invention

As already mentioned, the invention relates to both an alpine ski having an attachment enhancement area forming an integral part of the ski structure, and a manufacturing method for obtaining such a ski.

Such a ski (1) is illustrated in Figure 1 and has a known manner a pad area (2), a spatula zone (3) and a heel area (4). The ski (1) comprises, at the level of the skid zone (2), a zone of enhancement of the attachment which is formed by a protrusion of the ski structure itself. The upper face (6) of this raising zone (5) determines a greater thickness of the ski relative to the edges (9), which is more accentuated to the pad than in the heel zone (4) and in the spatula zone (3). The upper face (6) of the raising zone (5) is intended to receive the abutment and the heel of the binding.

Incidentally, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, this raising zone (5) included the extensions (10) forming arms extending forwardly and rearwardly of the raising zone (5) itself.

According to the invention, the ski (1) has on each of its lateral faces (11), at least one insert (12). This insert (12) can, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 extend over almost the entire length of the raising zone (5). This insert can also extend over only part of this raising zone, or even extend over the entire length, and lead to the front and rear of the raising zone (5).

To simplify the diagrams, it was not represented the usual edge overhang intended to make the edge protruding, so as to increase the edge grip. In other words, in the figures, the lateral faces of the ski are substantially vertical, whereas in reality they have a slight recess above the edges.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the inserts (12) may be parallel to the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5). They are then parallel to the sole of the ski. These inserts (12) can be at different height levels between the edges (9) and the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5). In the illustrated form, the insert (12) is located at a height slightly greater than the thickness of the ski measured in the heel and spatula zones. Nevertheless, these inserts could be located at a slightly lower level, closer to the edges (9).

According to one characteristic of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each insert (12) may comprise different zones having a different depth, measured in the direction of the median longitudinal plane of the ski (13). Thus, in its front (15, 16) and rear (19, 20) parts, the insert (12) has a depth less than half the width of the ski, so that the structure of the ski forms lateral partitions (21). 22) connecting the upper portion (27) of the raising zone (5) to the lower portion (28) of the ski structure. In the form illustrated in Figures 2 and 6, these partitions (21, 22) are located substantially in line with the areas intended to receive the stop and the heel of the fastener, so as to ensure a good transmission of the supports. Between these two partitions (21, 22), the inserts (12) meet to come into contact with each other, substantially at the median level of the raising zone.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the inserts have a depth that is variable in the direction of the length of the ski. The adjustment of this depth makes it possible to modify as desired the influence of the stiffness of the raising zone (5) on the rest of the structure of the ski. This influence is also modified according to the nature of the material used to make the insert.

Thus, when this material is relatively compressible, it promotes a slight transverse flexion of the board, at the level of the pad area. This bending is all the more sensitive as the depth of the inserts (12) is important.

Conversely, when the material used is more rigid than the rest of the structure of the ski, and for example made of metal, the insert (12) tends to stiffen the raising zone of the ski, which is favorable for the edge grips. This use of rigid insert also makes it possible to lighten the ski structure at the central level, and overall to reduce the weight of the ski.

The length of each of the inserts (12) can also be adjusted so as to optimize the dynamic behavior of the ski, while reducing its structure. The influence of the stiffness of the raising zone can also be regulated by the choice of a particular profile or section with regard to the insert (12). Thus, in the form illustrated in Figure 5, the inserts (12) have a generally triangular section. The central portion of the structure forming the partition (30) has a generally trapezoidal section. This partition (30) therefore has a lower width in its upper part. This small width modifies the bending stiffness of the upper part (31) of the raising zone (5), to allow a slight deflection of the upper zone (31) around the longitudinal axis of the ski. This possibility of deflection is favored when the material used for the inserts (12) is compressible. Conversely, in the lower part, the partition (30) connects to the section of the lower part (32) of the ski structure. In this way, the supports exerted on the upper face (33) of the raising zone (5) are efficiently transmitted towards the edges, to promote the capture of edges.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the portion of the structure between the inserts (12) can integrate different types of additional elements, which confer special mechanical properties. Thus, for the purpose of lightening, an insert (34) could be incorporated into a sparse material, of the cellular or alveolar type.

The upper portion (31) of the raising zone (5) being intended to receive the abutment and the heel, could advantageously, as shown in Figure 5, incorporate a reinforcement (37) to stiffen it, and this in particular when the inserts (12) are made of a compressible material. This reinforcement (37) disposed below the upper protective face (38) can be drilled and receive the mounting screws of the elements forming the attachment.

In an embodiment not shown, the ski may comprise two zones of enhancement of the binding, one receiving the abutment, the other hosting the heel. In a particular embodiment, only one of the elements of the binding, for example the abutment, can be mounted on an enhancement zone of the attachment, the other element, and typically the heel, being mounted on a platform traditional enhancement.

As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ski according to the invention. This method may, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, chain the following steps.

First of all, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the various elements used to make the lower part of the ski structure are placed in a mold base (40). These include the edges (9), the sole (41) and lateral reinforcing elements (42) for forming the songs of the ski, at least in the lower part of the latter. Subsequently, two additional elements (43) are placed above the reinforcing elements (42). These additional elements will subsequently form the characteristic inserts, in the portion located inside the structure of the ski. These additional elements (43) rest on a shoulder (44) formed in the bottom (40) of the mold. These additional elements (43) overflow inside the structure of the ski by a portion (45) which can extend more or less deeply depending on the depth that it is desired to give the characteristic inserts. The remainder of the structure intended to form the ski has not been represented, since it may be either preformed elements intended to form the core, or different reinforcements without influence on the other characteristics of the invention. The ski can also be made by injecting components that react in situ to form a polyurethane core.

In a second step, after having arranged the additional characteristic elements (43), the lid of the mold (47) is put in place after having deposited a sheet (48) intended to form the upper protective layer. This sheet (48) may be associated with a reinforcing element (49), typically made of glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin, and which will be used to anchor the mounting screws of the elements of the binding.

After molding, irrespective of the type of process employed, the assembly thus produced is demolded and the figure illustrated in FIG. 9 is thus obtained. The additional elements (43) and a portion of the topsheet (48) and reinforcement (49) protrude laterally from the final shape of the ski. The upper layer of the protection (48), the reinforcement (49) and the additional elements (43) are then leveled laterally to the limits of the upper portion of the raising zone. The portions of the additional elements (43) remaining in the structure form the characteristic inserts (12) as illustrated in FIG.

The process according to the invention can be carried out according to other variants, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Thus, in a first ski variant of rectangular section shown in Figure 11, the additional elements (43) are placed in the bottom of the mold (40) above the lateral reinforcing elements (42). Above these additional elements (43) is placed a metal sheet (50) which also protrudes laterally from the structure of the ski. This sheet (50) is folded at its center to form a housing (51) sinking into the structure of the ski between the additional elements (43). This housing (51) receives a filling element (52) which will form the bulk of the partition connecting the upper part of the raising zone to the rest of the structure. This metal sheet (50) will therefore be covered with a plastic layer (54) which will form the upper protective layer. It is possible to add a fiber reinforcement element, not shown, between the metal foil (50) and the protective layer (54).

After molding, the additional elements (43), the metal sheet (50) and the protective layer (54) are then leveled at the side reinforcing elements (52). The metal layer (50) may advantageously be threaded to receive the fixing screws of the fasteners.

In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 12, there is used an additional piece (55) which is placed in the bottom of the mold (40) above the lateral reinforcing elements (42). This additional element may have in its center a depression (56) to balance the upper and lower parts of the structure, and facilitate the positioning of the various elements during the setting mold. In the bottom of this depression (56) are drilled openings (57) intended to allow the passage of the polyurethane foam, when it expands after injection of the liquid mixture of the reactive chemical components. By expanding, this foam plate under the mold cover the upper layer of protection (58) and the associated reinforcement (59). After demolding, the upper protective layer (58) and the characteristic piece (55) are leveled in their portion protruding laterally from the final structure of the ski. The portions of the piece (55) remaining in the structure of the ski thus form the characteristic inserts, with the influence already mentioned on the stiffness of the board.

The ski thus obtained therefore has an enhancement zone equipped with lateral inserts, over all or part of its length. This raising zone can accommodate the various elements of the binding which are then screwed through its upper face. In some cases, the fixing mounting screws are anchored inside the characteristic inserts, essentially in cases where the material used for the inserts has sufficient strength, and typically when made of metal.

• la possibilité de régler la raideur globale du ski, grâce à la zone de rehaussement, faisant partie de la structure même du ski,
• la possibilité de conférer les propriétés d'amortissement de la zone patin, en utilisant des inserts en un matériau élastomérique du type viscoélastique,
• la possibilité de rigidifier la structure du ski au niveau de la zone patin par des inserts rigides, ce qui permet d'employer des matériaux peu denses pour le reste de la structure du ski au niveau du patin, et globalement d'alléger le ski.

It follows from the above that the ski according to the invention has multiple advantages, and in particular:

• the possibility of adjusting the overall stiffness of the ski, thanks to the raising zone, which is part of the structure of the ski,
• the possibility of conferring the damping properties of the pad zone, by using inserts made of an elastomeric material of the viscoelastic type,
• the possibility of stiffening the structure of the ski at the pad area by rigid inserts, which allows to use low density materials for the rest of the ski structure at the pad, and overall to lighten the ski.

Claims (10)

1. A ski (1) including at least one zone (5), for raising the binding, formed by a thickening of the structure of the ski, forming a protuberance in the region of the underfoot zone (2), characterized in that which includes an insert (12) arranged over at least a fraction of the length of each of its lateral faces (11), said insert (12) being located between the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5) and the edges (9), said insert (12) protruding inside the structure of the ski, the outer face (14) of this insert (12) being flush on the lateral face (11) of the ski.
2. The ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the insert (12) is arranged parallel to the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5).
3. The ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inserts (12) are formed by elements made from a material that is less rigid than the materials that form the core of the ski in the region of the raising zone, so as to confer damping properties on the ski.
4. The ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inserts (12) are formed by elements made from a material that is more rigid than the materials that form the core of the ski in the region of the raising zone so as to increase the stiffness of the structure.
5. The ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inserts (12) extend in the direction of the median longitudinal plane (13) of the ski.
6. The ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inserts (12) are separated from the sole of the ski by a height greater than the minimum thickness of the ski, measured in the tip (3) and heel (4) zones.
7. A process for manufacturing a ski including a zone (5), for raising the binding, formed by a thickening of its structure, forming a protuberance located in the region of the underfoot zone, during which the various component elements of the ski are placed in a mold, between a mold base (40) and a mold cover (47), characterized in that :

   • before molding, additional elements (43) penetrating both inside the mold and inside the structure of the ski are placed over the base (40) of the mold, between the base and the cover (47) and in the region of each lateral face (11);

   • after molding, the portion of the additional elements (43) that protrudes beyond the lateral faces (11) of the raising zone (5) is planed off.
8. The process as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, before molding, a rigid element (50) for incorporation in the raising zone is placed over the additional elements.
9. The process as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, before molding, a reinforcement layer (49) that protrudes beyond the structure of the ski is placed over the additional elements, and, after molding, this reinforcement layer (49) is planed off with the additional elements (43) forming the inserts.
10. The process as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, before molding, a reinforcement layer that protrudes beyond the structure of the ski is placed under the additional elements, and, after molding, this reinforcement layer is planed off with the additional elements forming the inserts.

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