EP1433504A1 - Device for fixing a shoe on a sporting good - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot retaining device (1) comprises a lateral part (12) and a medial part (13) delimiting a boot reception zone (17). A link (20,21) is connected to each of the parts. For one of the lateral (22,60) and medial (23) portions of the link is a separating means for partly separating the lateral and/or medial portions from the reception zone when these portions move away from a reference position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for retaining a shoe on a sports machine, for which the retention of the shoe is done using at least one link.

Such devices are used for the practice of snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or water, snowshoeing, roller skating, or whatever.

A link device according to the prior art generally comprises a lateral flange and a medial flange which delimit between them a zone for receiving the shoe, as well as at least a link connected to each of the lateral and medial flanges by a lateral fastening and by a fastening medial. At least one of the lateral and medial attachments allows a rotational movement a lateral portion or a medial portion of the link, along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lateral or medial flange. Each of the lateral and medial portions of the link occupies an angular reference position when the link is tight to retain the shoe. In makes the link adapts to the shape of the shoe.

To put on or take off, the link can be opened.

If the link is one-piece, it is opened by separating a lateral portion or medial relative to the flange to which it is attached.

If the link is multi-room, it can be opened by separating portions one by compared to each other.

Very often it has been observed after opening that the link, or each portion of the link, tends to keep the effective curved shape while tightening the shoe. This is due essentially the structure and relatively rigid nature of the materials generally used.

For example a toothed portion, which is used to adjust the length of the link, is made from of a molded plastic. This portion has a curvature which allows it to better press against the shoe to tighten it.

After opening the link portions naturally occupy the reception area of the shoe between the flanges, which hinders putting on and taking off. An user must manually spread the constituent portions of the link at least to fit. If he doesn't does not, the shoe comes to rest between the flanges by pushing the portion (s) of the link under the sole, while each portion should be above the upper.

The object of the invention is in particular to facilitate putting on and taking off by reducing, or even removing the discomfort caused by the link portion (s).

To do this, the invention proposes a device for retaining a shoe on a sport, the device comprising a lateral part and a medial part delimiting an area of the shoe, as well as at least one link connected to each of the lateral parts and medial by a lateral attachment and by a medial attachment, at least one of the lateral attachments and medial allowing movement of a lateral or medial portion of the link relative to the lateral or medial part, each of the lateral and medial portions of the link occupying a position, reference with respect to the lateral or medial part when the link is tight for hold the shoe.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that, for at least one of the lateral and medial portions of the link, a means of spacing partially spreads at least the lateral and / or medial portion of the reception area, when the lateral and / or medial portion moves to move away from the reference position.

When the link is open, the portion or portions that constitute it can be moved respectively with respect to the part, for example in rotation, towards the rear or towards the front of the device. During the movement, in this case the rotation, the spacer means spreads the or portions outside the reception area. Therefore the passage of the shoe between the parties is facilitated. The discomfort caused by each portion of link is reduced, even non-existent. The putting on is easier.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de retenue selon un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention, avec les liens fermés,
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus du dispositif selon la figure 1, avec les liens ouverts et écartés de la zone d'accueil de la chaussure,
• la figure 4 est une vue partielle similaire à la figure 2, pour un deuxième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de retenue selon un troisième exemple de réalisation de l'invention, avec les liens fermés,
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du dispositif selon la figure 5, avec les liens ouverts et écartés de la zone d'accueil de la chaussure,
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle de dessus d'un dispositif de retenue selon un quatrième exemple de réalisation, avec les liens ouverts,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 7.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, according to nonlimiting examples, how the invention can be implemented, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the links closed,
• FIG. 2 is a section on II-II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the device according to FIG. 1, with the links open and apart from the reception area of the shoe,
• FIG. 4 is a partial view similar to FIG. 2, for a second example of embodiment,
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to a third embodiment of the invention, with the links closed,
• FIG. 6 is a top view of the device according to FIG. 5, with the links open and apart from the reception area of the shoe,
• FIG. 7 is a partial top view of a retaining device according to a fourth embodiment, with the links open,
• FIG. 8 is a section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

Although the examples described below relate more to the field of snowboarding, it should be understood that they also apply to other areas as mentioned before.

The first example is presented using Figures 1 to 3.

As seen in Figure 1, a retaining device 1 allows the removable retaining on a board 2 of a shoe not shown.

In known manner, the retaining device 1 comprises a base 3 which extends longitudinally between a rear end 4 and a front end 5.

The base 3 has an upper face 6 intended to be opposite the sole of the shoe, and a lower face 7 intended to be above the board.

The base 3 is retained on the board 2 by a means shown in the form of a disc. 10, itself retained on board 2 by screws 11.

Of course, other means for retaining the base 3 could be provided.

The base 3 is bordered laterally by a lateral flange 12 and by a medial flange 13, each of the flanges 12, 13 being respectively a lateral or medial part of the device 1. When the shoe is in place on the device 1, the flanges 12, 13 run along the sole laterally. The flanges 12, 13 are connected by a hoop 14 at the end rear 4.

Preferably, the base 3, the flanges 12, 13 and the arch 14 form a single piece made for example of synthetic material. However, it could be expected that the flanges or the arch are parts secured to the base by any other means, such as bonding, welding, screwing, interlocking, or other.

Additionally, a rear support element 15 allows a user to take back support with lower leg. The rear support element 15 is secured to the flanges 12, 13 for example by means of a hinge 16.

Two links are also provided for removably retaining the boot on the base. 3, between the flanges 12, 13, in a reception area 17.

A first link 20 is located towards the front, at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is retained. A second link 21 is located towards the rear, at the instep when the foot is retained.

Each of the links 20, 21 extends transversely between the flanges 12, 13.

Of course, a different number of links could be provided.

Only one of the links is described in detail afterwards, for the sake of convenience.

For example, the first link 20 is represented in the form of an association of two portions, which are a lateral portion 22 and a medial portion 23.

A connecting means is provided for removably connecting the lateral portion 22 and the medial portion 23 to each other. This means comprises for example a clamping mechanism ratchet 24, fixed at a free end 25 of the medial portion 23. The means of connection also includes a series of teeth 26, shaped on the lateral portion 22.

By acting on a lever 30 of the mechanism 24, it is possible to tighten the link 20 by approaching the free end 25 of the medial portion 23 towards the lateral flange 12. By acting on a button 31 of the mechanism 24, it is possible to loosen the first link 20, or even to open. In the latter case, the lateral 22 and medial 23 portions are separated.

Of course, other means could be provided to connect the lateral portions 22 and medial 23.

As best seen in Figure 2 the first link 20 is connected to each of the flanges lateral 12 and medial 13 by a lateral fastener 32 for the lateral portion 22, and by a fastener medial 33 for the medial portion 23.

Each lateral 22 and medial 23 portion is attached to the lateral flange 12 or medial side 13 opposite the reception area 17.

Each of the fasteners 32, 33 is shown in the form of a joint, comprising for example a screw, a rivet, or a pin with or without washer, or the like. Of course, it other fastening structures could be provided.

Thus each of the fasteners 32, 33 allows a rotational movement of the associated portion 22, 23 of the link 20, relative to the lateral flange 12 or medial 13, along a lateral axis 34 or medial 35 substantially perpendicular to the lateral flange 12 or medial 13. Consequently the first link can tilt forwards or backwards of the device 1. When the link 20 is tight around the shoe, it naturally goes into a reference position, which the occurrence is an angular position. This position is the one for which the first link 20 is supported in a substantially homogeneous manner on the shoe. It then covers a portion of the rod being pressed intimately to it.

According to the invention, for at least one of the lateral 22 and medial 23 portions of the link 20, a spacing means partially spreads at least the lateral 22 and / or medial portion 23 of the reception area, when the lateral portion 22 and / or medial portion 23 moves away from the reference position.

This situation is shown in Figure 3.

Each of the links 20, 21 is open, and their respective lateral 22 and medial portions 23 have been rotated forward. This made it possible to bring the lateral portions 22 closer together. and medial 23 towards the plane which contains the base 3.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the means for spreading the portion side 22 of the first link comprises a side cam 40 secured to the side portion 22.

The lateral cam 40 is represented in the form of a protrusion projecting towards the zone 17. The side cam 40 is located near an attachment end 41 of the side portion 22.

The lateral cam 40 is contained in the plane of the lateral flange 12, as seen on Figures 1 and 2, when the side portion 22 is in the reference position. When the lateral portion 22 turns towards the base 3, as seen in FIG. 3, the lateral cam 40 is supported on the lateral flange 12. A cam surface 42, of the lateral cam 40, has variations in curvature which generate a reversible deformation of the lateral portion 22 during its rotation around the lateral axis 34. More precisely, the lateral cam 40 causes bending of the attachment end 41. By this localized bending, a free end 43 of the lateral portion 22 moves away from the medial flange 13 or from the reception area 17. This distance allows easier passage of the shoe to enter the reception area 17, or to exit.

Of course when the lateral portion 22 is brought back to the reference position, to cover the shoe, the free end 43 returns towards the medial flange 13 or towards the zone Reception 17. The return is done naturally, without specific solicitation. Simultaneously the cam 40 returns to the plane of the flange 12.

According to the first example, the lateral cam 40 and the lateral portion 22 form a part piece. However, provision may be made for the cam 40 to be secured to the lateral portion 22 by any means such as gluing, screwing, riveting, sewing, or any other means equivalent.

The lateral cam 40 and the lateral portion 22 are produced for example from a synthetic material used by any technique known to those skilled in the art. he can be a material comprising an acetyl-butadière-styrene, a polyurethane, a polyamide, polypropylene, or the like.

It should be noted that the phenomenon of separation of the lateral portion 22 occurs as well when the portion 22 rotates forward than when it rotates rearward of the device deduction 1.

By analogy with the lateral portion 22, the means for spreading the medial portion 23 of the first link 20 comprises a medial cam 50 secured to the medial portion 23.

Again the medial cam 50 is shown in the form of a protruding protrusion towards the reception area 17. The medial cam 50 is located near an attachment end 51 of the medial portion 23.

The medial cam 50 is contained in the plane of the medial flange 13, as seen on Figure 2, when the medial portion 23 is in the reference position. When the portion medial 23 turns towards the base 3, as seen in FIG. 3, the medial cam 50 takes pressing on the medial flange 13. A cam surface 52, of the medial cam 50, has variations in curvature which cause a reversible deformation of the medial portion 23 during its rotation around the medial axis 35. More precisely, the medial cam 50 causes bending of the attachment end 51. By virtue of this localized bending, the free end 25 of the medial portion 23 moves away from the lateral flange 12 or from the reception area 17. Again the distance allows easier passage of the shoe to enter the reception area 17, or to get out.

Again when the medial portion 23 is returned to the reference position, to cover the shoe, the free end 25 returns towards the lateral flange 12 or towards the zone reception 17. Simultaneously the cam 50 returns in the plane of the flange 13.

Again the medial cam 50 and the medial portion 23 preferably form a part piece.

The medial portion 23 is preferably provided with a cushion 53 intended to bear on the shoe.

Again the phenomenon of separation of the medial portion 23 occurs as well when the portion 23 rotates forwards than when it rotates towards the rear of the device deduction 1.

As regards the second link 21, its structure includes a lateral portion 60 with a lateral cam 61, as well as a medial portion 62 with a medial cam 63. Which is valid for the first link 20 is also valid for the second 21.

The other embodiments of the invention will be described below. For reasons convenience, it is mainly their specificities that will be highlighted.

For the second example, a retaining device comprises a base 65 and a flange medial 66. A medial portion 67 of a link is attached to the medial flange 66 by a fastener 68. Compared to the first example, the medial portion 67 of the link has an area flexural weakening 69. This zone 69 is represented in the form of a groove, preferably oriented substantially in a transverse direction of the medial portion 67. However, other means of weakening in flexion could be provided.

The weakening zone 69 makes it easier to spread and replace the portion medial 67, when it moves relative to its reference position.

Of course, provision may be made for other portions of links of a device to have a flexion weakening zone.

For the third example, according to FIGS. 5 and 6, a retaining device 70 comprises a base 71 bordered by a lateral flange 72 and by a medial flange 73. Here again the flanges 72, 73 are respectively a lateral or medial part of the device 70. A first link 74 and a second link 75 are provided for retaining a shoe between the flanges 72, 73, in a reception area 76.

The first link 74 comprises a lateral portion 80 and a medial portion 81, connected respectively to the flanges 72, 73 by a lateral attachment 82 and a medial attachment 83. By analogy the second link 75 comprises a lateral portion 84 and a medial portion 85, connected respectively to the flanges 72, 73 by a lateral attachment 86 and a medial attachment 87. Each of the attachments is made in the form of a joint.

According to the invention, for at least one of the lateral portions 80, 84 and medial 81, 85 of a link 74, 75, a spacing means partially spreads at least the lateral portion 80, 84 and / or medial 81, 85 of the reception area 76, when the lateral portion 80, 84 and / or medial 81, 85 moves to move away from the reference position.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, each means of spacing a lateral portion 80, 84 or medial portion 81, 85 of a link 74, 75 respectively comprises a cam lateral 90, 91 or a medial cam 92, 93 secured to a lateral flange 72 or to a flange medial 73.

Each cam 90, 91, 92, 93 is shown in the form of a protrusion projecting from a side of the flange 72, 73 opposite the reception area 76. Each cam 90, 91, 92, 93 is located respectively near and in front of a fastener 82, 83, 86, 87 of a link 74, 75.

Each cam 90, 91, 92, 93 is contained in a plane of a lateral attachment end 94, 95 or a medial attachment end 96, 97 of a link 74, 75. When a portion 80, 81, 84, 85 of a link 74, 75 rotates forward towards the base 71, as is the case in FIG. 6, the portion 80, 81, 84, 85 is supported on the cam 90, 91, 92, 93. A cam surface 100, 101, 102, 103, respectively of each lateral cam 90, 91 or medial 92, 93, has variations in curvature which cause a reversible deformation of a portion 80, 81, 84, 85 of the link 74, 75 during its rotation towards the base 71. Each deformation of a portion of the link frees up space in reception area 76.

Of course, the return of a portion of the link 80, 81, 84, 85 to the reference position is translated into a return to reception area 76.

According to the third example, each lateral cam 90, 91 or medial 92, 93 forms with the corresponding flange 72, 73 a single piece. However, it can be expected that the cam is secured to the flange by any means.

For the fourth example, according to FIGS. 7 and 8, a retaining device 120 is shown in part only.

In FIG. 7 we can see a base 121 bordered by a lateral flange 122, as well as a reception area 123, a rear hoop 124, a rear support element 125, and a portion lateral 126 of a link 127. The lateral portion 126 is attached to the lateral flange 122, at the level from its attachment end 128, by an articulation 129 with an axis 130.

According to the invention, a spacer means partially spreads at least the lateral portion 126 of the reception area 123, when the lateral portion 126 moves to move away from the position of reference.

According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the spacing means consists of a specific orientation of the axis 130 of the joint 129. In this case, on the one hand the axis 130 is substantially parallel to the base 121, and on the other hand the axis 130 forms with the direction longitudinal L of device 120 an angle α not equal to 90 °, the angle being measured in a plane parallel to the base 121, that is to say the plane of the sole of the shoe when the latter is retained in the device 120.

For example, the angle α can be between 45 ° and 85 °.

In FIG. 7 the apex of the angle α is more towards the front of the retaining device 120 by with respect to the joint 129. As a result, the lateral portion 126 of the link 127 deviates in one direction exit from the reception area 123, when the portion 126 is tilted forward. Well heard, by tilting the lateral portion 126 also approaches a plane containing the base 121.

From a structural point of view, the joint 129 has an orifice 131 formed in a boss 132 itself secured to the lateral flange 122. The boss 132 forms with the flange 122 a single piece, but it could have been attached to it by any means suitable.

The boss 132 has a reception face 133 on which the attachment end is supported. 128 of the portion 126 of the link 127. The reception face 133 is substantially flat and perpendicular to the axis 130 of the joint 129. This axis 130 is also that of the orifice 131. The reception face 133 is therefore not parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the retaining device 120. This allows, as already seen before, the spacing of the lateral portion 126.

Of course, other structures can be provided to obtain a specific orientation the axis of the articulation of a link portion.

For each example the invention is made from materials and according to techniques of implementation known to those skilled in the art.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents which may fall within the scope of the claims which will follow.

In particular, for a given retaining device, spacing means can be provided for one, several, or all of the links.

For each link, only one of the two or both lateral and medial portions can include a means of spacing.

Claims (11)

Device for retaining (1, 70, 120) a shoe on a sports machine (2), the device (1, 70, 120) comprising a lateral part (12, 72, 122) and a medial part (13, 66, 73) delimiting a reception area (17, 76, 123) of the shoe, as well as at least one link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) connected to each of the lateral parts (12, 72, 122) and medial (13, 66, 73) by a lateral attachment (32, 82, 86) and by a medial attachment (33, 68, 83, 87), at least one of the lateral attachments (32, 82, 86) and medial (33, 68, 83, 87) allowing movement of a lateral (22, 60, 80, 84, 126) or medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) portion of the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) relative to the lateral (12, 72, 122) or medial (13, 66, 73), each of the lateral (22, 60, 80, 84, 126) and medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) of the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) occupying a reference position relative to the lateral (12, 72, 122) or medial (13, 66, 73) part when the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) is tight to hold the shoe,
characterized in that , for at least one of the lateral (22, 60, 80, 84, 126) and medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) portions of the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127), a means of spacing apart at least partially the lateral (22, 60, 80, 84, 126) and / or medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) portion of the reception area (17 , 76, 123), when the lateral (22, 60, 80, 84, 126) and / or medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) portion moves to move away from the reference position. Retaining device (1, 70, 120) according to claim 1, characterized in that , for at least one link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127), each of the lateral portions (22, 60, 80, 84 , 126) and medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) of the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) comprises a spacing means. Retaining device (1, 70, 120) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that , for each link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127), each of the lateral portions (22, 60, 80, 84 , 126) and medial (23, 62, 67, 81, 85) of the link (20, 21, 74, 75, 127) comprises a spacing means. Retaining device (70) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lateral part (72) and the medial part (73) of the device (70) are respectively a lateral flange (72) and a flange medial (73), by the fact that at least one of the lateral attachments (82, 86) is produced in the form of a joint, and by the fact that each spacing means comprises a lateral cam (90, 91) or medial (92, 93) secured to the lateral (72) or medial (73) flange, each cam (90, 91, 92, 93) being contained in a plane of a lateral attachment end (94, 95 ) or of a medial attachment end (96, 97) of a link (74, 75), when the lateral (80, 84) or medial (81, 85) portion is in the reference position. Retaining device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lateral part (12) and the medial part (13, 66) of the device (1) are respectively a lateral flange (12) and a medial flange (13, 66), by the fact that at least one of the lateral (32) and medial (33, 68) attachments is produced in the form of a joint, and by the fact that each means d spacing comprises a lateral (40, 61) or medial (50, 63) cam secured to the lateral (22, 60) or medial (23, 62, 67) portion of the link (20, 21), each lateral cam (40 , 61) or medial (50, 63) being contained in the plane of the lateral (12) or medial (13, 66) flange when the lateral (22, 60) or medial (23, 62, 67) portion is in the position reference. Retaining device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each cam (40, 50, 61, 63) is produced in the form of a protrusion projecting towards the reception area (17), and by the fact that each lateral (22, 60) and medial (23, 62, 67) portion of the link (20, 21) is attached to the side of the lateral (12) or medial (13, 66) flange opposite the zone of reception (17). Retaining device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cam (40, 50, 61, 63) and the portion (22, 23, 60, 62, 67) of link (20, 21) form a single piece. Retaining device (1, 70) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that each cam (40, 50, 61, 63, 90, 91, 92, 93) has variations in curvature which generate a reversible deformation of the portion (22, 23, 60, 62, 67, 80, 81, 84, 85) of the link (20 21, 74, 75). Retaining device (120) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spacing means comprises an articulation (129) whose axis (130) forms with the longitudinal direction (L) of the device ( 120) an angle (α) not equal to 90 °, the angle being measured in the plane of the sole of the shoe when the latter is retained in the device (120). Retaining device (1, 70, 120) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a base (3, 71, 121) bordered by respectively lateral flanges (12, 72, 122) and medial (13, 73), the lateral (12, 72, 122) and medial (13, 73) flanges being the lateral (12, 72, 122) and medial (13, 73) parts of the device (1, 70, 120). Retaining device (1, 70, 120) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a lateral (22, 60, 80, 84) and / or medial (23, 62, 67, 81) portion , 85) of a link (20, 21, 74, 75) has a flexural weakening zone (69).

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