EP1358917B1 - Snowboard binding - Google Patents

Abstract

The binding (1) has front and rear straps (9,11) and a heel loop (3) extending between the side edges of a base (2), to secure the boot to the base. The front and rear straps include strap portions (18,19,23,24). An articulating lever is provided to one strap portion, and has a hooking protrusion that selectively engages a notch at the opposite strap portion. An Independent claim is also included for a snowboard.

Description

The present invention relates to fasteners for mounting on surfboards, the design of which makes them particularly ergonomic.

There are many types of surf bindings, each type being more specifically adapted to a particular practice.

Thus, with regard to so-called "artistic" surfing, more commonly known as "free style", we use relatively soft shoes allowing the user a great freedom of movement, allowing strong variations of angle tibia in relation to the foot. Its qualities are particularly appreciated for the practice of surfing in hemicylindrical tracks better known under the name of "half pipe".

Thanks to the flexibility of his shoes, the surfer can adopt particularly inclined positions relative to the board. The relative flexibility of the shoes also allows a good perception of the sensations coming from the board. However, the use of such soft shoes requires the use of fasteners that have a certain rigidity, especially to withstand rearward-facing supports.

With regard to so-called "downhill" surfacing, the requirements with regard to the accuracy of the curves are even more important and therefore, the fasteners must have an even greater rigidity.

Thus, such fasteners have a mounting base on the board, and a rear gutter for receiving the back of the user's boot upper and the supports of the back of the leg. Such a gutter can extend up to half the height of the calf. A set of straps makes it possible to hold and tighten the shoe inside the binding. These straps generally pass over the front of the foot and at the kick and connect the two sides of the base. More specifically, each strap is generally made of at least one flap which is fixed on the side of the base. This flap can cooperate with either a complementary flap located on the other side of the base, or even with an attachment mechanism associated with the other side of the base.

To adjust the longitudinal position of the flap or flaps on the shoe, at a higher or lower level of the kick or more or less in front of the front end of the shoe, an intermediate piece is mounted on the base and presents a pivoting ability along an axis substantially transverse to the base or relative to the lateral side of the shoe. The flap or flaps are secured to this intermediate piece.

Previous techniques

Conventionally, these flaps are made of a flexible material. Indeed, these flaps must be staggered on both sides of the binding, to allow the user to introduce his shoe into the binding, and to close the flaps one on the other. Indeed, the flaps must be relatively flexible to easily be shifted, so as to release the central space of the base for the introduction of the shoe. Molded plastics and foam materials can be used.

However, too much flap flexibility can make them fragile.

Due to the relative flexibility of the flaps, they tend to fall unexpectedly or get caught under the sole of the shoe or to get caught between the gutter and the shoe, when the binding is subject to movements transverse, for example during the donning of the binding by the user or during the portage of the surfboard.

This trend is further increased by the fact that the flaps are generally equipped with a cushion in their end portion, this cushion being intended to distribute and reduce the pressure exerted by the strap on the foot of the user. The presence of this relatively large mass at the end of the flaps very easily causes the flexible waviness of the latter. In addition, the attachment mechanism and its component parts also have a mass that moves the flaps in all directions.

We know from the document DE-44.16.024 a surf binding whose flaps are articulated relative to the base. The flaps extend at the joint by rigid branches, integral and at right angles to the flaps, and being in the interior space of the binding. These branches are likely to receive the support of the foot, when the user puts the binding. The flaps are automatically positioned above the shoe so that the user only has to perform the operations of setting up the attachment means.

This solution is complex and totally unsuitable for fasteners whose flaps have a pivoting capacity along a transverse axis relative to the base. This solution also requires significant modifications to the base and straps compared to a conventional existing surf binding.

Presentation of the invention

A first problem to be solved by the invention is that of obtaining a rigidity of all elements of the binding, since these elements have a point of articulation. A second problem is to design a fastener that allows the user to put it on easily. A third problem is to eliminate the inconvenience to the user that the flaps have the opportunity to present many inadvertent movements.

A snowboard binding comprises a base and at least one strap formed of flaps hinged each relative to one side of the base, and cooperating with one another to ensure the tightening of the strap on a shoe.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the snowboard binding is characterized in that the flaps are formed by curved rigid pieces. The ends of the curved rigid parts are opposite one another. One of the flaps is equipped with an articulated lever for moving a hooked area. This hooked zone is adapted to cooperate with a toothed zone formed on the upper face of the opposite flap.

Rigid parts are parts that can not be deformed under their own weight. In other words, due to its rigidity, the end of the flaps, equipping the fasteners according to the invention, has only a circular path relative to the point of attachment to the base. It also means that the flap can no longer interfere with the maneuvers of the user. Even when the open fastener undergoes amplitude movements, the flaps retain their geometry and can be immediately used by the user, without the latter having to rework them.

When the flaps are in the closed position, placed above the binding of the shoe, and this even when they are unhooked, they do not fall back untimely on both sides of the shoe, without the user does any manipulation in this direction.

Preferably, the length of the connection between the articulated lever and the hooked zone may be adjustable. Thus, these two flaps may for example come to cover the surf shoe when it is placed in the binding, so that the attachment is substantially at the median level of the shoe.

In order to present both rigidity and comfort for the user, at least one of the flaps can be equipped on its underside with a cushion intended to come into contact with the shoe. The cushion may for example be arranged under the flap comprising the notched zone.

The curved rigid parts of the flaps each favorably include a hinge for pivoting the flap to open and close the fastener. The articulation of the flaps can be done either directly on the base of the fastener, or at a part itself fixed on the fastener. This intermediate piece may itself be hinged to the base, to allow pivoting of the strap relative to an axis substantially transverse to the lateral side of the shoe.

In a particularly favorable manner, each flap can have two stable equilibrium positions. These two positions are an open position in which the flap is released from the front of the shoe, and a closed position in which the flap is folded down on the front of the binding to cooperate with the attachment means. The articulation of the flap relative to the attachment is then arranged so that between these two positions, and without user intervention, the flap automatically moves to one of two stable positions.

Thus, the user must exert a force of sufficient intensity to thwart the characteristic joint, and pass the rigid flaps from a stable position to the other stable position.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a snowboard is characterized in that it comprises a binding as described above.

Brief description of the figures

• la Figure 1 représente une vue arrière en perspective d'une fixation pour surf des neige selon l'invention ;
• la Figure 2 représente une vue avant de la fixation, avec une chaussure, et dont les sangles de fixation arrière ont été enlevées ; et
• la Figure 3 représente une vue en perspective de deux des rabats pour la fixation.

The invention will be better understood and its various advantages and different characteristics will become more apparent in the following description, of the nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which:

• the Figure 1 represents a perspective rear view of a snowboard binding according to the invention;
• the Figure 2 represents a front view of the binding, with a shoe, and whose rear attachment straps have been removed; and
• the Figure 3 is a perspective view of two of the flaps for attachment.

Detailed description of the invention

A binding (1) for a surf, comprises a base (2), intended to be mounted on the surfboard (not shown). At the rear of the base (2) is fixed a rear bow (3) connecting two rear flanks (4) of the base (2) passing behind the heel of the shoe (6).

This rear arch (3) receives a rear channel (7) intended to come into contact with the rear part of the upper of the shoe (6) to receive the support of the back of the leg. The gutter (7) is pivotally mounted relative to the hoop (3) by two pivot axes (8). With this arrangement, it is possible to fold down the gutter (7) when the attachment (1) is no longer used, and thus to limit its size and facilitate storage.

Traditionally, such a fastener (1) comprises retaining means for holding the shoe (6) of the user in the fastener (1). These retaining means are in the form of two clamping straps (9 and 11). The first of these tightening straps (9), said strap before, is generally arranged at the front end of the binding (1), so as to cover the zone (12) at the front of the shoe (6). ) at the level of the toes. The second of these tightening straps (11), called the back strap, is generally arranged at the level of the instep (13) of the shoe (6).

The front strap (9) is fixed on two front flanks (14) of the base (2). The front strap (9) is pivotally mounted relative to these front flanks (14) by two pivot axes (16). To obtain this, two front intermediate parts (17) are pivotable, secured, for example by screwing, on the inside of the front flanks (14), in the inner region of the fastener (1). Note that the front strap (9) can also be mounted directly on the front flanks (14), but then without the ability to move and therefore adjustment back and forth.

A right front flap (18) and a left front flap (19) constitute the front strap (9). The right front flap (18) and the left front flap (19) are facing each other and cooperate with each other. Front attachment means (21) provided on these two right (18) and left (19) right flaps allow precise positioning of the right front flap (18) with respect to the left front flap (19), and therefore the tightening of the shoe (6).

The rear strap (11) is fixed on the rear arch (3) of the base (2). The rear strap (11) is pivotally mounted relative to the hoop (3) through two pivot axes (8) already provided for the tilting of the gutter (7). To obtain this, two rear intermediate parts (22) are pivotable, secured, for example by screwing, on the outside of the arch (3), in the area outside the attachment (1). It should be noted that the rear strap (11) can also be mounted directly on the arch (3), but then without movement capacity and thus adjustment from front to back.

A right rear flap (23) and a left rear flap (24) constitute the rear strap (11). The right rear flap (23) and the left rear flap (24) are facing each other and cooperate with each other. Rear hooking means (26) provided on these two right rear flaps (23) and left (24) allow precise positioning of the right rear flap (23) relative to the left rear flap (24), and therefore the tightening of the shoe (6).

In order to allow the opening and closing maneuvers of the front (9) and rear (11) straps, the pivoting movements of the flaps (18, 19, 23 and 24) with respect to the base (2) are obtained thanks to to a hinge joint (27). At one of their ends, opposite to the attachment means (21, 26), the curved rigid parts of the right front flap (18), the left front flap (19), the right rear flap (23) and the flap left rear (24) each comprise an outgrowth (28). This protrusion (28) is centered slightly bulging and hollow, hollow inside which can pass an axis (29). In a complementary manner, the two front intermediate pieces (17) and the two rear intermediate pieces (22) comprise a double projection, coming to enclose the protrusion (28). This double projection is slightly bulged and hollow, double hollow inside which can pass the axis (29).

The axis (29) joins the flaps (18, 19, 23 and 24) and the corresponding intermediate parts (17, 22). To allow an opening and closing movement of the flaps (18, 19, 23 and 24), the axis (29) is thus substantially parallel to the front flanks (14) of the base (2) or to the tangent to the arch (3) at the axis of pivoting (8). The hinge joint (27) may further be bistable, for example with a bulge area engaging a flexible blade.

The front hooking means (21) are substantially identical to the rear hooking means (26). These front (21) and rear (26) attachment means comprise an articulated lever (31) at the free end of the left front flap (19) and the left rear flap (24). This articulated lever (31) pivots and allows the displacement of an area ending in a hook (32). This hook (32) comes into engagement with a notched zone (33) made on the upper face at the free end of the opposite flap, that is to say respectively of the right front flap (18) and the right back flap ( 23).

In order to allow extremely fine tightening of the shoe (6), the length of the connection between the articulated lever (31) and the hook zone (32) is adjustable. For this, a threaded rod (34), actuated by a screwdriver, rotates in a corresponding threaded housing (36).

According to the invention, the right front flap (18) and the left front flap (19) are each formed by a curved rigid piece. According to the invention, the right rear flap (23) and the left rear flap (24) are each formed by a curved rigid piece.

The materials used for all curved flaps (18, 19, 23, 24) have a rigidity close, for example, that of the shaped aluminum. The curved rigid parts are thus made of rigid molded rigid materials that can not be deformed, or even aluminum. The curved rigid parts can be covered by an additional covering, of foam type, fabrics, ...

The radius of curvature of the right front flap (18) and the left front flap (19) substantially corresponds to the curvature of the zone at the front (12) of the shoe (6). The radius of curvature of the right rear flap (23) and the left back flap (24) substantially corresponds to the curvature of the instep (13) of the shoe (6).

In order to improve the comfort of the straps (9 and 11) of the binding (1), each of the right front flaps (18) and right rear flaps (23) comprises a cushion (37). The cushion (37) is positioned on the lower face coming into contact with the shoe (6). The cushion is arranged under the notched zone (33).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Many modifications can be made, without departing from the scope defined by the scope of the set of claims.

Claims (7)

1. A binding for a snowboard including a baseplate (2) and at least one strap (9, 11) formed of strap parts that are each articulated relative to the baseplate (2), and interacting with one another in order to ensure gripping of the strap (9, 11) over a boot (6), the strap parts being formed by curved rigid parts (18, 19, 23, 24), the ends of which come opposite one another, and one of the strap parts (19, 24) being equipped with an articulated lever (31) allowing the displacement of a hooked zone (32) capable of interacting with a notched zone (33) of the opposite strap part, characterized in that the strap parts are articulated relative to a side (14) of the baseplate, and in that the notched zone (33) is produced on the upper face of the opposite strap part (18, 23).
2. The binding as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the length of the link between the articulated lever (31) and the hooked (32) zone can be adjusted.
3. The binding as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the strap parts (18, 23) is equipped on its lower face with a pad (37) for coming into contact with the boot (6).
4. The binding as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the pad (37) is arranged under the strap part (18, 23) that includes the notched zone (33).
5. The binding as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved rigid parts (18, 19, 23, 24) of the strap parts each comprise a hinge (27) that makes it possible to pivot the strap part (18, 19, 23, 24) in order to open and close the binding.
6. The binding as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each strap part (18, 19, 23, 24) has two stable equilibrium positions, namely an open position in which the strap part (18, 19, 23, 24) is free of the front of the boot (6) and a closed position in which the strap (18, 19, 23, 24) is folded down over the front of the binding in order to interact with fastening means (21, 26), the articulation of the strap part (18, 19, 23, 24) relative to the binding being arranged such that, between these two positions, and without the user's intervention, the strap part (18, 19, 23, 24) is displaced automatically toward one of the two stable positions.
7. A snowboard, characterized in that it comprises a binding (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

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