EP1387717A1

EP1387717A1 - Binding, particularly for fastening a shoe to a snowboard

Info

Publication number: EP1387717A1
Application number: EP02750904A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mario Gatto; Eugenio Vendramini
Original assignee: Gatto Mario; Vendramini Eugenio
Current assignee: Gatto Mario; VENDRAMINI, EUGENIO
Priority date: 2001-05-16
Filing date: 2002-05-08
Publication date: 2004-02-11
Also published as: ITTV20010061A0; ITTV20010061A1; WO2002092176A1

Abstract

A binding, particularly usable for connecting a shoe to a snowboard, which comprises a first plate that is associable in a downward region with the snowboard and has first raised lateral edges provided with first and second guiding means and third detachable connection means for a pair of first and second pivots that are mutually opposite. The pivots can be associated transversely with respect to second lateral edges or the sole of the sports shoe or of a rigid support associated with the shoe.

Description

BINDING, PARTICULARLY FOR FASTENING A SHOE TO A SNOWBOARD

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a binding, particularly for connecting a shoe to a snowboard or to a snowshoe or for example to a crampon. Background Art

Conventional bindings for snowboards, currently in use, comprise a plate associated with the board, for example by means of screws, and provided with two fastening straps or levers for temporarily locking the sports shoe. The plate is usually associated with the board in a detachable manner, so as to allow to adjust the ramp angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the shoe and by the axis of the board; however, this weakens the board.

The main drawback of such conventional type of binding is that the connection between the sports shoe and the binding is not very rigid, and this entails greater difficulty in transmitting force to the sports implement.

Moreover, control of the implement is less rapid and prompt and therefore practice of the sport is more difficult and rather awkward.

Another drawback arises when it is necessary to use ascent facilities: it is in fact necessary to open the two straps and remove one foot in order to be able to reach the entrance of the facility.

During this operation it is necessary to drag the board, to which the other foot is still fastened, by sliding it over the snow.

Then, once the ascent has been completed, it is necessary to close the two straps and perform the adjustments again, thus making each ascent operation long and tiring.

As a partial solution to the above drawback, there are bindings currently in use which are constituted by a first body, associated with the sole of the boot, and by a second body, which is fastened to the snowboard, for example by means of screws so as to allow to adjust the ramp angle. The first and second bodies are mutually associable by way of detachable connection means, which are provided in a central position so as to allow temporary engagement of the sports shoe with the snowboard.

One of the drawbacks of those conventional bindings (commonly known as step-ins) is that only a dedicated sports shoe that is specific for each type of binding can be used.

Another important drawback is that the connection between the first body and the second body occurs in a single central region of the binding and therefore at the center of the sole. Accordingly, stability is poor, because the tip and heel of the sports shoe are not fastened directly to the snowboard. Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to solve the described technical problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited prior art by providing a binding that allows to connect any shoe to a snowboard or, for example, to a snowshoe or a crampon, so that the operations for engaging and releasing the shoe are quick and easy and at the same time allow optimum and immediate transmission of force to the sports implement.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a binding that allows to use ascent facilities simply and rapidly, avoiding difficult and prolonged adjustments of any closure means. Another object is to provide a binding that allows connection to the snowboard in more than one region, so as to allow the shoe to adhere perfectly to the board, ensuring optimum stability.

Another object is to allow the use of the binding to many kinds of shoe and particularly to any kind of snowboard shoe. Another object is to ensure optimum connection of the shoe to the board even if a layer of snow or ice is accidentally deposited between two or more components of the binding.

Another object is to provide a binding that is structurally simple and has low manufacturing costs. This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a binding, particularly for fastening a shoe to a snowboard, comprising a first plate that can be associated with the snowboard, characterized in that said first plate has first raised lateral edges provided with first and second guiding means and third detachable connection means for a pair of first and second pivots that are mutually opposite and can be associated transversely with respect to second lateral edges of the sole of the sports shoe or of a rigid support associated with the shoe.

Brief description of the Drawings Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a particular embodiment, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 to 3 are partially sectional side views of the invention in three successive positions, and therefore respectively in a disconnected position, in an intermediate position, and in a connected position;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the invention;

Figure 5 is a side view of the second supporting plate for the pins, which is associated, in an upward region, with levers for connection to a sports shoe;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the second plate;

Figures 7 to 9 are respectively a front view, a plan view and a partially sectional side view of the first plate, which is associable with the snowboard in a downward region; Figure 10 is a sectional side view of a detail of Figure 8;

Figures 11 and 12 are respectively a side view and a front view of a detail of the invention;

Figure 13 is a partially sectional side view of the operation of the release lever; Figure 14 is a side view of a shoe provided with first and second pairs of pins, which protrude transversely to the sole;

Figure 15 is a side view of the first plate provided with a release lever. Ways of carrying out the Invention

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a binding, particularly suitable to be used to connect a sports shoe, such as the one designated by the reference numeral 2 in Figure 14, to a snowboard or for example to a snowshoe or to a crampon (not shown in the figures).

In a first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 13, the binding 1 comprises a first plate, designated by the reference numeral 3, which can be rotatably associated with the snowboard so as to allow to adjust the angle between the longitudinal axis of the binding 1 and the axis of the board.

The connection between the board and the first plate 3 is performed by way of conventional means, such as for example screws, and by means of a circular disk that protrudes from the board so as to interact with a complementarily shaped circular opening, designated by the reference numeral 4, which is formed centrally in the first plate 3.

The first plate 3, shown in detail in Figures 7 to 9, has a C-shaped transverse cross-section, so as to have two first lateral edges 5a and 5b that are conveniently raised. Each one of the first lateral edges 5a and 5b is provided with first and second guiding means, constituted by first and second grooves 6a and 6b provided at the upper profile 5c of each one of the first lateral edges 5a and 5b and obtained in a symmetrical position with respect to them.

The first grooves 6a, arranged proximate to the front region 7a of the first lateral edges 5a and 5b, are approximately L-shaped when viewed from the side, and the end of the groove is directed toward the rear region, designated by the reference numeral 7b, of the first lateral edges.

The second grooves 6b are instead preferably shaped approximately like a quarter-circle whose center lies at a first hole, designated by the reference numeral 8, provided in front of the second groove 6b. The first and second grooves 6a and 6b allow the guiding of a pair of first front pivots 9a and a pair of second rear pivots 9b, respectively, protruding transversely from a rigid support, designated by the reference numeral 10, that is associable with the shoe. The rigid support 10, shown in Figure 5, is constituted by a second plate

11 that can be arranged inside and above the first plate 3 and constitutes a supporting base for the sole of the shoe worn by the user.

Two second lateral edges, designated by the reference numerals 12a and 12b, for containing the shoe protrude laterally to the second plate 10. A first front fastening lever 13a and a forward-tilting rear cuff or spoiler 14, adapted to lock the backward movement of the shoe, are associable at opposite ends with the second lateral edges 12a and 12b.

A second fastening lever, designated by the reference numeral 13b, is further associable with the cuff 14 and/or with the second lateral edges 12a and 12b and is adapted to surround the foot instep region of the user and to fasten it.

The pairs of first and second pivots 9a and 9b protrude approximately horizontally, so that two by two they are mutually opposite, from the second lateral edges 12a and 12b, so that each one can be arranged at the first or second guiding means.

Two first arc-like or trapezoidal plate-like elements, designated by the reference numeral 15a, are provided on the outside of the first lateral edges 5a and 5b and specifically at the first grooves 6a, so as to ensure the protection of the pair of first pivots 9a against accidental impacts, for example against a separate sports implement or against rocks or other objects.

The connection of the second plate 11 to the first plate 3, associated beforehand with the snowboard, is performed by way of third detachable connection means, designated by the reference numerals 16a and 16b. The third connection means 16a and 16b are arranged at the second grooves 6b and are suitable to temporarily lock the pair of second pivots 9b within the second grooves 6b.

Each one of the third means 16a and 16b is constituted by a first flat member, designated by the reference numeral 17, which is approximately U- shaped and is rotatably associated, at its base, with the first lateral edge at a first pivot 18, which is conveniently arranged within the first hole 8.

The pair of second pivots 9b can be arranged between the free wings 19a and 19b of each one of the first flat members 17; pressure on the second plate 11 leads to a downward movement of the second pivots 9b, so as to turn the first U-shaped flat members 17 toward the rear region of the binding

1.

This rotation occurs in contrast with a flexible element, such as for example a first cylindrical spring 20 arranged coaxially to the first pivot 18.

In its rotation, which occurs counterclockwise in Figure 13, the first flat member 17 interacts with the edge of a second flat member, designated by the reference numeral 21, which is also rotatably associated with the first lateral edge 5a or 5b.

The second flat member 21, which is approximately triangular, is pivoted, by means of a second pivot 22, at its upper vertex, so that a counterclockwise rotation of the first, flat member 17 produces a forced clockwise rotation of the second flat member 21.

The second flat member 21 is adapted to lock the first flat member 17 once it has reached an approximately horizontal position, which corresponds to the fastening of the second pivot 9b within the second groove 6b and the free wings 19a and 19b of the first flat member 17.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the locking of the first flat member 17 occurs by interposing a vertex of the second flat member 21 between the free wings

19a and 19b of the first flat member 17, and particularly between the edge of the free wing 19a and the advantageously convex lower edge, designated by the reference numeral 23, of the second flat member 21. The temporary locking of the third connection means 16a and 16b occurs simultaneously on both sides of the binding 1, by way of fourth means, designated by the reference numeral 24, which are arranged transversely to the first plate 3. The fourth means 24 comprises a rigid rod, designated by the reference numeral 25, which is rotatably associated with the first plate proximate to the rear edge 26 thereof, preferably within two or more seats 27 formed transversely to the first plate 3 (for example by drawing).

The rigid rod 25 has first and second free ends, designated by the reference numerals 28a and 28b, which protrude outside the first lateral edges 5a and 5b and are folded upward and then inward so as to arrange themselves within the slots, designated by the reference numeral 29, formed within the second flat members 21 in a direction that corresponds to the height determined by the vertex provided with the second pivot 22. Coaxially to the rigid rod 25 there is, for example proximate to the third connection means 16b, a second cylindrical spring, designated by the reference numeral 30, which acts between the first plate 3 and the second free end 28b.

The second spring 30 is adapted to force the second flat member 21 to arranges itself partially within the pair of free wings 19a and 19b of the first flat member 17, thus ensuring the temporary locking of the third connection means 16a and 16b.

Like the pair of first pivots 9a, the third means 16a and 16b also are protected against any accidental impacts by way of second plates, designated by the reference numerals 31a and 31b respectively, which are externally associated with the first lateral edges 5a and 5b of the first plate 3.

The embodiment illustrated in the figures shows, proximate to the third connection means 16b, a release lever 32 that is approximately vertical and is associated at the second free end 28b of the rigid rod 25. By acting on the lever 32, the user can impart a counterclockwise rotation to the lever 32 about the axis that passes through the rigid rod 25 and therefore a clockwise rotation of the second flat member 21, so as to allow the release of the first flat member 17 and therefore its return, by means of the first spring 20 preloaded during locking, to an approximately vertical position.

Operation is therefore as follows: the user fits the rigid support 10 over the sports shoe he is wearing, closing the fastening levers 13a and 13b around the foot.

The user then acts by resting the support 10 on the first plate 3, which is associated beforehand with the snowboard, so as to make the pairs of pivots 9a and 9b mate at the first and second grooves 6a and 6b, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

In this manner, the pair of second pivots 9b are arranged between the free wings 19a and 19b of the first U-shaped flat members 17. By shifting the weight of the foot on the binding 1, the user forces the rotation of the first flat members 17 until connection occurs with the lower edge 23 of the second flat member 21.

At the same time, the first pivots 9a retract along the first grooves 6a, so as to prevent any upward movement of the tip of the foot. In order to release the shoe from the first plate 3, the user, after taking the weight of the body off the binding , acts on the lever 32, rotating it backward until he achieves the mutual disengagement of the first and second flat members.

The fact that the second flat member 21 has a convex lower edge 23 allows, if ice or snow is interposed between the first and second plates, to compensate for the lowering of the second plate onto the first plate when said material melts, thus allowing to keep the binding 1 closed.

It has thus been observed that the present invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a binding having been provided which allows easy and rapid engagement and release of the shoe with respect to the snowboard and at the same time allows optimum and immediate transmission of force to the sports implement.

The invention also allows to use ascent facilities simply and rapidly, avoiding difficult and prolonged adjustments of straps or other closure means.

The binding according to the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, within the scope of the appended claims.

Thus, for example, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the sports shoe 2 of Figure 14 is provided with two pairs of first and second pivots 9a and 9b associated with the lateral edges of the sole, designated by the reference numeral 50.

In this manner, it is possible to eliminate the rigid support 10 without thereby losing the stability and adhesion of the foot to the board.

The materials employed, as well as the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. TV2001A000061 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A binding, particularly for fastening a shoe to a snowboard, comprising a first plate that is associable with said snowboard, characterized in that said first plate has first raised lateral edges provided with first and second guiding means and third detachable connection means for a pair of first and second pivots that are mutually opposite and are associable transversely with respect to second lateral edges of the sole of the sports shoe or of a rigid support associated with the shoe.

2. The binding according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second guiding means comprise first and second grooves formed at the upper profile of each one of said first lateral edges of said first plate.

3. The binding according to claim 2, characterized in that each one of said first grooves is formed proximate to the front region of said first lateral edges.

4. The binding according to claim 3, characterized in that each one of said first grooves is approximately L-shaped, its closed end being directed toward the rear region of said first lateral edges.

5. The binding according to claim 2, characterized in that each one of said second grooves is formed proximate to the rear region of said first lateral edges.

6. The binding according to claim 5, characterized in that each one of said second grooves is shaped approximately like a quarter-circle centered at a first hole formed in front of said second groove.

7. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second grooves, provided in a symmetrical position with respect to the central longitudinal axis of said first plate, allow the guiding of, respectively, said pairs of first front pivots and second rear pivots.

8. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rigid support comprises a second plate that can be arranged inside and above said first plate and is adapted to act as a supporting base for the sole of said shoe.

9. The binding according to claim 8, characterized in that two second lateral edges protrude laterally to said second plate and are adapted to contain said shoe, a first front fastening lever and a forward-tilting rear cuff being associable therewith at opposite ends.

10. The binding according to claim 9, characterized in that a second fastening lever, adapted to surround the user's foot instep region, is associable with said cuff and/or said second lateral edges.

11. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pairs of first and second pivots protrude approximately horizontally, so as to be mutually opposite two by two, from said second lateral edges, each pivot being arranged at said first or second guiding means.

12. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third connection means are arranged at said second grooves, so as to temporarily lock said pair of second pivots within said second grooves.

13. The binding according to claim 12, characterized in that each one of said third means comprises a first flat member, which is approximately U- shaped and is rotatably associated, at its base, with said first lateral edge, at a first pivot that is arranged within said first hole.

14. The binding according to claim 13, characterized in that said first flat members are shaped so that said pair of second pivots can be arranged between their free wings.

15. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that pressure on said second plate leads to a downward movement of said second pivots, so as to turn said first U-shaped flat members toward the rear edge of said first plate.

16. The binding according to claim 15, characterized in that the rotation of said first flat member occurs in opposition to an elastically deformable element, such as a first cylindrical spring, which is arranged coaxially to said first pivot.

17. The binding according to claim 16, characterized in that said first plate, in a counterclockwise rotation about said first pivot, interacts with the edge of a second flat member, which is also rotatably associated with said first lateral edge of said first plate.

18. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second flat member, which is approximately triangular, is pivoted to said first lateral edge by means of a second pivot.

19. The binding according to claim 18, characterized in that said second flat member is pivoted approximately at its upper vertex, so that a counterclockwise rotation of said first flat member leads to a forced clockwise rotation of said second flat member.

20. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second flat member is adapted to lock said first flat member once it has reached an approximately horizontal position, which corresponds to the fastening of said second pivot between said second groove and said free wings of said first flat member.

21. The binding according to claim 20, characterized in that said first flat member is locked by interposing a vertex of said second flat member between said free wings of said first flat member.

22. The binding according to claim 20, characterized in that said first flat member is locked by interposition between the edge of the lower free wing and the convex lower edge of said second flat member.

23. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temporary locking of said third connection means occurs simultaneously on both sides of said binding, by way of fourth means arranged transversely to said first plate.

24. The binding according to claim 23, characterized in that said fourth means comprises a rigid rod that is rotatably associated with said first plate proximate to said rear edge thereof, within two or more seats formed transversely to said first plate.

25. The binding according to claim 24, characterized in that said rigid rod has a first free end and a second free end, which protrude externally with respect to said first lateral edges and are folded upward and then inward, so as to lie within respective slots formed within said second flat members.

26. The binding according to claim 25, characterized in that each one of said slots is formed in said flat member in a direction that corresponds to the height defined by the vertex provided with said second pivot.

27. The binding according to claim 26, characterized in that a second cylindrical spring is arranged coaxially to said rigid rod and approximately proximate to one of said third connection means, said spring acting between said first plate and said second free end of said rigid rod.

28. The binding according to claim 27, characterized in that said second spring is adapted to force said second flat member to arrange itself partially within said pair of free wings of said first flat member, ensuring the temporary locking of said third connection means.

29. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, proximate to one of said third connection means, a lever that allows to release said first flat member and therefore allows its return, by means of said first spring, preloaded during locking, to an approximately vertical position.

30. The binding according to claim 29, characterized in that said release lever, arranged approximately vertically, is associated at said first or second free end of said rigid rod, thus allowing the user to impart a counterclockwise rotation thereto about the axis that passes through said rigid rod.

31. The binding according to claim 30, characterized in that a counterclockwise rotation of said release lever corresponds to a clockwise rotation of said second flat member, so as to uncouple it from the pair of free wings of said first flat member.

32. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, simultaneously with the activation of said third connection means, said first pivots retract along said first grooves, so as to prevent any upward movement of the tip of the foot.

33. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the convex shape of said lower edge of said second flat member constitutes a means adapted to keep said binding closed even if ice or snow is interposed between said first and second plates, allowing to compensate for the downward movement of said second plate onto the first one when said materials melt.

34. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is associable with said sports shoe, which is provided with two pairs of first and second pivots which are associated with the lateral edges of the sole of said shoe.

35. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that two first protective plate-like elements for said pair of first pivots are provided at said first grooves outside said first lateral edges.

36. The binding according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that two second protective plates for said third connection means are provided outside said first lateral edges at said third connection means.