EP1279420A1 - Method of manufacturing an alpine ski and the resulting ski - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of making a snow ski (1) involves using a mould with additional inserts (43) positioned in the mould prior to use. The inserts are placed between the mould sections at the level of each side face of the ski. At least part of each insert is eliminated after moulding to form a groove (12) along each side edge of the ski. Claims include a ski made by the method

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sliding sports, more specifically alpine skiing. It relates more particularly to a ski which includes a zone for raising the binding formed by an extra thickness of the very structure of the ski. The invention makes it possible to optimize the mechanical properties of a ski having such a structure. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such skis.

Previous techniques

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

It has also been proposed to raise the binding, not by using an additional element added to the board, but on the contrary by configuring the structure of the board so that it has an extra thickness itself forming the zone enhancement. Thus, in document FR 2 718 650, a ski has been described, the structure of which comprises, at the level of the skid zone, an additional element raising the upper face of the ski, relative to the zones of the tip and the heel. This elevation forms a raising zone on which the toe piece and the heel piece are mounted. Another example of a raising zone produced by means of a particular configuration of the very structure of the board is described in document FR 2 686 520, corresponding to document US 5 346 244.

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

In document US 2 196 925, a particular ski has been described, the skate area of which is raised, and which is machined. More specifically, the upper face of the pad area has several through slots which open into laterally hollowed out recesses. In this way, the snow wedge present under the sole of the shoe is eliminated by the slots, especially when it melts. Of course, the production of such skis is relatively complex, since it requires very specific machining operations, which weaken the structure of the board, and are incompatible with modern manufacturing techniques and composite structures.

Statement of the invention

The invention therefore relates to a method of manufacturing an alpine ski which comprises at least one area for raising the binding formed by an excess thickness of the structure of the ski forming a projection at the level of the skate area. The ski may include a unique raising zone which receives 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 the heel piece. For certain cases, only the stopper, or even the heel piece can be mounted on a raising zone. Traditionally, during this process, the various constituent elements 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 du ski, des éléments additionnels pénétrant à l'intérieur du moule ;
• après moulage, on élimine, au moins en partie, lesdits éléments additionnels de manière à former des rainures dans les faces latérales du ski.

The process according to the invention is characterized in that:

• before molding, there are above the bottom of the mold, between the bottom and the cover, and above each side face of the ski, additional elements penetrating inside the mold;
• after molding, said additional elements are eliminated, at least in part, so as to form grooves in the lateral faces of the ski.

In other words, the characteristic grooves are obtained by extracting after molding, the additional elements which protrude from the edges of the ski. These additional elements, possibly in the form of a wedge, are easily extractable, since they have been placed in the mold with a large zone projecting laterally.

In practice, the additional elements can be eliminated either entirely or partially after molding. Thus, if these additional elements are made of a relatively flexible and deformable material, they can be pulled out. In the case of more rigid elements, they can be removed by machining. The grooves are then formed inside these additional elements.

According to the invention, the ski obtained according to such a method therefore has a groove dug over at least a portion of the length of each of its lateral faces. This groove is located between the upper face of the raising zone and the edge of the ski.

At the level of the enhancement zone, on its lateral flanks, the ski has hollowed portions which may extend over all or part of the length of the enhancement zone. These grooves can be made in the enhancement zone itself, that is to say above the level that the ski would have if it did not include the enhancement zone. These grooves can also be located below this level, above the edges. The presence of these grooves, forming recesses, and in particular their length and their depth, influences the overall stiffness of the structure, in particular at the level of the pad area. The behavior can thus for example be closer to that of a traditional ski equipped with a platform attached to its upper face, while retaining the advantages a raising zone integrated into the structure of the ski, and in particular the reduction.

Advantageously in practice, the additional elements used during the manufacturing process can be parallel to the sole of the ski, so as to give grooves substantially parallel to the upper face of the enhancement zone.

In a particular embodiment, the additional elements used during the process can be put in place so as to come into contact with one another. They thus make it possible to produce a through zone when they are then eliminated. This contact zone between the additional elements can be arranged at any level of the enhancement zone, and preferably at the central level of the latter.

In other words, the grooves hollowed out on each of the lateral faces can meet to define, over at least part of their length, at least one through opening transversely below the upper face of the raising zone. In other words, the groove made on one side of the board is hollowed out deep enough to open into the groove made on the other side, and thus form a material-free zone over the entire width of the ski.

These through openings can also be produced independently of the characteristic grooves.

Advantageously in practice, the through opening is situated longitudinally, substantially at the central level of the raising zone. In other words, the hollowed-out zone produced in or under the raising zone is between the zones receiving the stop and the heel of the binding.

In practice, the bottoms of the facing grooves define between them a substantially vertical partition located below the upper face of the raising zone. In other words, the structure of the board includes a region of width less than the width of the ski, and on which a part of the raising zone rests. This region therefore forms a partition on which the upper part of the raising zone rests, and through which the supports are transmitted. This partition contributes to the overall rigidity of the raising zone, the configuration of which is moreover lightened by the presence of the characteristic grooves.

In a preferred embodiment, the ski has a through opening and two partitions as described above, these partitions being located one in front and the other behind the through opening. The partitions can thus advantageously be longitudinally perpendicular to one of the elements of the binding, so as to allow good transmission of forces in the direction of the ski sole.

The shape of the different partitions formed between the grooves can be diverse. Thus, these partitions can have a thickness, measured transversely with respect to the ski, which is either substantially constant or variable. More specifically, the cross section of the partition can be either constant, or even evolve in the direction of the length of the ski. In the latter case, this thickness may decrease to reach a minimum at the limits of the through hollow zone.

The width of the partitions, measured transversely, can also vary with the height of the partition. In other words, this partition may have sides which are not strictly vertical, but on the contrary inclined. Thus, in a particular form, over at least a fraction of its length, the partition (s) may extend in its lower part as close as possible to the lateral faces of the ski, so as to contribute to the transmission of the support towards the edges. In other words, in their upper part, the partitions have a relatively reduced width. This partition widens while moving downwards, so as to have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. This configuration makes it possible to lighten the raising zone, without altering the vertical transmission of the supports.

In certain particular embodiments, the partition may include at least one element made of a material lighter than the rest of the ski, so as to reduce the influence of the enhancement zone on the weight and the overall stiffness of the ski.

Advantageously in practice, the upper part of the raising zone may include at least one rigid insert, capable of receiving the mounting screws of the binding. This insert, located below the upper face of the raising zone, is made of a material which can accommodate the mounting screws of the binding with minimum risk of messing up.

In practice, the grooves made on the lateral faces of the ski can allow the installation of particular fastening elements. These elements are advantageously arranged to cooperate with the characteristic grooves made in the ski. These grooves can therefore be used for holding in position and for longitudinal adjustment of the position of the toe piece and / or of the heel piece. Thus, when these grooves are parallel to the upper face of the raising zone, they can accommodate ribs oriented towards the median longitudinal plane of the ski, produced under a slide supporting the abutment or the heel piece.

In a particular embodiment, at least one safety fastening element is mounted by means of a clamp system including lateral jaws cooperating with the lateral grooves complementary to the ski. These jaws are advantageously held transversely in position on the ski by locking means.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective sommaire d'un ski selon 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 des 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 selon l'invention, et de certaines variantes d'exécution,
• les figures 13 et 14 sont des vues en coupe transversale illustrant le montage d'un des éléments de la fixation sur le ski selon l'invention.

The invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will emerge clearly 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. 1,
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views along planes III-III ', IV-IV' of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view along a plane VI-VI ′ of FIG. 2,
• FIGS. 7 to 12 are sectional views of a ski shown as the steps of the production method according to the invention are linked together, and of certain variant embodiments,
• Figures 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views illustrating the mounting of one of the elements of the binding on the ski according to the invention.

Way of realizing the invention

As already mentioned, the invention relates both to an alpine ski having a zone for raising the binding which is an integral part of the structure of the ski, and to a manufacturing method making it possible to obtain such a ski.

Such a ski (1) is illustrated in FIG. 1, and has, in known manner, a skid zone (2), a tip zone (3) and a heel zone (4). The ski (1) comprises, at the level of the skid zone (2), a zone for raising the binding (5) which is formed by a projection of the very structure of the ski. The upper face (6) of this raising zone (5) determines an excess thickness of the ski relative to the edges (9) which is more accentuated at the skate than in the heel zone (4) and in the tip zone (3). The upper face (6) of the raising zone (5) is intended to receive the stop and the heel piece of the binding.

In an ancillary manner, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, this raising zone (5) may include extensions (10) forming arms extending in front and behind the raising zone (5) proper.

According to the invention, the ski (1) comprises on each of its lateral faces (11) at least one groove (12) hollowed out in the direction of the median longitudinal plane (13) of the ski. This groove (12) can, like the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, extend over almost the entire length of the raising zone (5). It can also extend over only part of this enhancement zone, or even extend over the entire length, and lead to the front and at the edge of the enhancement zone (5).

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

According to a characteristic of the invention, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, each groove (12) can comprise different zones (15-20) having a different depth. Thus, in the front (15, 16) and rear (19, 20) parts of the groove (12), the latter has a depth less than half the width of the ski, so that the bottoms (25, 26 ) grooves define a partition (21, 22) connecting the upper part (27) of the raising zone (5) to the lower part (28) of the ski structure. In the form illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the grooves (12) define two partitions (21, 22) located substantially perpendicular to the zones intended to receive the stop and the heel piece of the binding. Between the two partitions (21, 22), the portions (17, 18) of the groove (12) meet to form a through opening (23). This through opening is located substantially at the median level of the raising zone (5).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the partitions (21,22) have a width which is variable in the direction of the length of the ski. The bottoms (25, 26) of the portions (15, 16, 19, 20) of the groove (12) are not parallel to the ski edges (9), but on the contrary have a certain angulation with respect to the median plane (13) of the ski. The adjustment of this variation in width of the partitions (21, 22) 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. Thus, when these partitions (21, 22) have a very small width, a slight transverse bending of the board is favored. Conversely, when the grooves (12) are relatively less dug, the partitions (21, 22) play a more significant role in the overall stiffness of the ski.

The length of the through zone (23) is also determined to optimize the dynamic behavior of the ski, while reducing its structure.

The influence of the stiffness of the raising zone can also be adjusted by the choice of a particular profile or section with regard to the partitions (21, 22).

Thus, in the form illustrated in FIG. 5, the partition (30) has a generally trapezoidal section. The 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 movement of this upper zone (31) around the longitudinal axis of the ski. Conversely, in its lower part, the partition (30) is connected 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 effectively transmitted in the direction of the edges (9), to favor the setting of edges.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the partition (30) can integrate different types of inserts which give it specific mechanical properties. Thus, for the purpose of lightening, it is possible to incorporate an insert (34) made of a sparse material, of the cellular or alveolar type.

The upper zone (31) of the raising zone (5) being intended to receive the stop and the heel piece, it will be advantageously possible, as illustrated by the Figure 5, integrate a reinforcement (37) to stiffen it. 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 include two areas for raising the binding, one accommodating the stop, the other accommodating the heel piece. In a particular embodiment, only one of the elements of the binding, for example the stop, can be mounted on a zone for raising the binding, the other element, and typically the heel piece, 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 process can, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, link the following different steps.

First of all, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the various elements used to make the lower part of the structure of the ski are placed in a mold base (40). These include the edges (9), the sole (41) and the lateral reinforcement elements (42) intended to form the edges of the ski. Thereafter, two additional elements (43) are put in place above the lateral reinforcement elements (42). These additional elements rest on a shoulder (44) produced in the bottom (40) of the mold. These elements (43) protrude inside the structure of the ski by a portion (45) which can extend more or less deeply depending on the depth which it is desired to give to the characteristic grooves. The rest of the structure intended to form the ski has not been shown, 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 produced by injecting components which react in situ to form a polyurethane core.

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

After molding, whatever the type of process used, the assembly thus produced is removed from the mold. This gives the structure illustrated in FIG. 9. The additional elements (43), as well as part of the upper sheet (48) project laterally from the final shape of the ski. The layer (48) is then cut at the limits of the upper portion of the enhancement zone. According to the invention, the elements (43) are then extracted. They thus define, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the two characteristic grooves (12).

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 variant of ski of rectangular section illustrated in FIG. 11, the additional elements (43) are placed in the bottom of the mold (40) above the lateral reinforcement elements (42). Above these additional elements (43), a metal sheet (50) is placed which also extends laterally from the structure of the ski. This sheet (50) is folded in 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 essential of the characteristic partition. This metal sheet (50) is then covered with a layer of plastic material (54) which will form the upper protective layer. A fibrous reinforcing element (not shown) may be added between the metal insert (50) and the protective layer (54).

After molding, the additional elements (43) are eliminated. The metal foil (50) and the protective layer (54) are then leveled off at the level of the lateral reinforcing elements (42). The metal layer (50) can advantageously be tapped to receive the mounting screws for the fasteners.

In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, an additional part (55) is used which is placed in the bottom of the mold (40) above the lateral reinforcing elements (42). This additional element (55) may have in its center a depression zone (56) to balance the upper and lower parts of the structure, and facilitate the positioning of the different elements during the mold-forming. In the bottom of this depression (56) are pierced with openings (57) intended to allow the passage of the polyurethane foam, when the latter expands after injection of the liquid mixture of the reactive chemical components. By expanding, this foam presses the upper protective layer (58) and the associated reinforcement (59) under the mold cover. After demolding, the upper protective layer (58) and the characteristic part (55) are leveled in their portions projecting laterally from the final structure of the ski. The plastic part (55) can then be machined to produce the characteristic grooves, with the desired depth.

The ski thus obtained therefore has a raising zone equipped with lateral grooves, over all or part of its length. This raising zone can accommodate the various elements of the fixing which are then screwed through its upper face. With reference to FIG. 13, this raising zone can also accommodate an element of the fixing (60) by means of a base (61) cooperating with the characteristic grooves (12). This base (61) then has a shape complementary to the upper part (63) of the raising zone. This base has in particular two portions (64) forming ribs which are fitted inside the grooves (12) produced on the lateral faces of the ski. It is thus possible to slide the base (61) and therefore the elements of the binding relative to the ski. The introduction of this base (61) is permitted when the characteristic grooves (12) open out at the front and / or at the rear of the binding enhancement zone, although the latter has a narrowing in width allowing the introduction of the ribs (64) inside the characteristic grooves (12). Locking in the longitudinal position of the fixing element (60) is carried out for example by screwing the base (61) onto the raising zone.

This locking in position can also be obtained, as illustrated in FIG. 14, by the use of a clamp system including lateral jaws. The base (65) is equipped on one side with a rib (66) substantially similar to that illustrated in FIG. 13. On the other side, the base (65) is equipped with a pivoting mechanism (68) around an axis (67) secured to the base. The pivoting part (68) has a rib (69) which fits into the characteristic groove (12). Elastic means are provided at the pivot axis (67) so that the ribs (69 and 66) are pressed inside the grooves. These locking means can be replaced by a derivative device in which the part (68) penetrates inside the grooves by lateral translation, for example under the effect of an adjustment screw not shown. Other means can be envisaged to ensure rapid locking of these jaws on the raising zone.

• 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 d'adapter différents types de fixations sur cette même zone de rehaussement, et notamment des fixations possédant une capacité de réglage longitudinal, par coulissement dans les rainures caractéristiques.

It appears from the above that skiing, in accordance with 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 very structure of the ski,
• the possibility of adapting different types of fasteners on the same raising zone, and in particular fasteners having a longitudinal adjustment capacity, by sliding in the characteristic grooves.

Claims (21)

Method of manufacturing a ski comprising a zone for raising the binding, formed by an extra thickness of its structure situated at the level of the skate zone, during which the various constituent elements of the ski are placed in a mold, between a bottom (40) and a mold cover (47), characterized in that : ■ before molding, there are above the bottom (40) of the mold, between the bottom and the cover (47), and at each side face of the ski, additional elements (43) penetrating inside the mold; ■ after molding, said additional elements (43) are eliminated at least in part so as to form grooves (12) in the lateral faces of the ski. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional elements (43) are parallel to the sole of the ski Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional elements (43) are placed so as to come into contact with one another. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional elements come into contact with each other at the central level of the raising zone. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional elements (43) are completely removed after molding. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional elements (55) are partially removed after molding. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the additional elements are removed by machining, so as to form the grooves inside the additional elements. Ski (1) obtained according to the method of claim 1, comprising at least one raising zone (5) of the binding formed by an excess thickness of the ski structure projecting at the level of the skid zone (2), characterized in that it has a groove (12) dug over at least a portion of the length of each of its lateral faces (11), said groove (12) being located between the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5 ) and the edge (9) of the ski. Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that the grooves (12) are substantially parallel to the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5). Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that the grooves (17, 18) hollowed out on each of the lateral faces meet to define, over at least part of their length, at least one opening (23) passing transversely below the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5). Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one through opening situated between the upper face of the raising zone and the edge of the ski. Ski according to claim 11, characterized in that the through opening (23) is located longitudinally, substantially at the central level of the raising zone. Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that the bottoms (25, 26) of the facing grooves define between them a substantially vertical partition (21, 22) situated below the upper face (6) of the raising zone (5 ). Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a through opening (23), and two partitions (21, 22) located one in front and the other behind said through opening (23). Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one partition is situated longitudinally perpendicular to one of the elements of the binding. Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that the partition has a thickness, measured transversely to the ski, which is substantially constant. Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that the partition (21, 22) has a thickness measured transversely to the board which is variable in the longitudinal direction. Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that at least over a fraction of its length, the partition (30) extends in its lower part, as far as close to the lateral faces (11) of the ski, so as to contribute to the transmission of support in the direction of the edges (9). Ski according to claim 13, characterized in that the partition (30) includes at least one element (34) made of lighter material than the rest of the structure of the ski. Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper part (31) of the raising zone includes at least one rigid insert (37), capable of receiving the mounting screws of the binding. Ski according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one safety fixing element (60) mounted by means of a clamp system including lateral jaws (66, 68) cooperating with the lateral grooves ( 12) complementary to the ski, said jaws being held transversely in position on the ski by locking means.

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