EP1479416B1 - Snowglider with an external decorative and protection assembly and production method - Google Patents

Abstract

A procedure consists of making the outer decorative/ protective assembly and at least one additional component before the final manufacturing stages of the ski or snowboard. One or more holes are made in the assembly to receive fixing elements on the additional component, which are inserted through it so they project from its inner surface and can penetrate the inner structure of the ski prior to completion. The procedure consists of making the outer decorative/ protective assembly (3) and at least one additional component (8) before the final manufacturing stages of the ski or snowboard. One or more holes (17) are made in the assembly to receive fixing elements (11) on the additional component, which are inserted through it so they project from its inner surface (7) and can penetrate the inner structure of the ski or snowboard prior to completion. The fixing elements (11) have recesses (13) that are filled with a material that connects them to the inner structure of the ski or snowboard during the final stages of manufacture, e.g. incorporating an injection process. In one variant the recesses can be grooves, enabling the fixing elements to be retained by locking keys or rings (16). The additional components can be fitted so that their outer surfaces lie flush with the surface of the ski or snowboard.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a board for gliding on snow having an outer set of decoration and protection. The present invention also relates to a snow board on snow with an outer face comprising a protective film.

The decoration is an important criterion for the marketing of a board for gliding on snow, such as alpine skiing, surfing, monoskiing, cross-country skiing, etc. The exterior decoration unit forming the upper part and sometimes the side parts is further intended to ensure the protection of the internal structure of the board. It must be of high quality, durable, resistant to external aggressions and inexpensive. This outdoor unit must resist scratches, U.V., low temperatures, humidity, cleaning solvents, ...

State of the art

It may be particularly interesting to insert one or more parts into the exterior decoration and protection assembly made of a material having different properties, in particular for localized wear reinforcement or, for example, to be able to easily maintain his gliding board with or without his gloves, without feeling cold or smooth and slippery on the upper surface.

The document US- 6,478,917 discloses a method of making a snowboard on snow comprising an exterior assembly of decoration and protection. Prior to the steps of molding the gliding board, the method comprises a step of sizing, on a sheet intended to become the outer assembly, at least one additional localized piece positioned on the outer surface. Then, by compression in the mold, the additional piece is embedded in the sheet to become the outer assembly, so as to come flush with the final outer surface of the gliding board.

• on ménage au moins une partie découpée selon un motif déterminé dans l'ensemble extérieur ;
• on positionne ensuite, dans la ou les parties découpées de l'ensemble extérieur, une ou plusieurs pièces de dimensions inférieures ou égales à celles de la ou des parties découpées ; et
• on recouvre chaque pièce avec une ou plusieurs portions d'un film polymère barrière ayant des dimensions supérieures à celles de la ou des parties découpées, afin d'assurer l'étanchéité entre la ou les pièces et l'ensemble extérieur.

It is further known from the document FR-2.823.126 a method of manufacturing a board for gliding on snow, comprising in particular a step consisting in producing an exterior decoration and protection assembly, in which:

• at least one portion is cut out in a predetermined pattern in the outer assembly;
• is then positioned in the cut or portions of the outer assembly, one or more pieces of dimensions less than or equal to those of the cut or portions; and
• each piece is covered with one or more portions of a barrier polymer film having dimensions greater than those of the cut-out portion or portions in order to seal between the part or parts and the outer assembly.

However, with these two methods, it turns out that the part or parts added to the surface of the exterior decoration and protection assembly are not fixed in a sufficiently solid manner. Indeed, such parts must be able to withstand significant deformation, shocks and clashes with the edges of other boards gliding, with pebbles, with branches, ..., without being torn off.

It is also known from the document EP-1,161,972 snow board with a rail-shaped profile located on the top of the board. The rail-shaped profile extends in the longitudinal direction and serves to fix functional elements, such as for example the fasteners, snap into this profile.

The housings required for snapping, although described in an incomplete manner in this document, seem to be obtained, either at the time of deformation molding of the protective layer, or in final operation by machining the board. In all cases the adhesion is obtained by gluing. This production method is complex and expensive and relatively unreliable.

Presentation of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention consists in implementing a method of manufacturing a board for gliding on snow with an exterior protection and decoration unit, comprising one or more additional pieces very firmly attached to the structure of the snowboard. the board at the time of making the board, that is to say without screwing operation, latching, or gluing on a finished board. This method is applicable both during a press-molding operation and of an injection operation, both of which are hereinafter referred to as "subsequent steps of embodiment".

The invention therefore relates to a method of manufacturing a snowboard on snow which includes in particular a step prior to the subsequent steps of producing the gliding board, consisting in manufacturing an exterior decoration and protection assembly, all outside being provided with at least one additional piece and then being positioned in a mold for the subsequent steps of producing the board.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the method is characterized in that the phases presented below are furthermore implemented. First, the outer assembly is made, having an outer surface and an inner surface. Then, at least one opening is made in the outer assembly made. And finally, is placed on the outer surface of the outer assembly, or the additional pieces, each having at least one through fastening area, passing through the or openings. This additional piece protrudes relative to the inner surface, while the fixing areas penetrate into an internal structure obtained by the subsequent steps of producing the board, so as to constitute one or more securing means. The additional piece is not a guide rail of the elements of the safety fastener.

In other words, with the one or more fastening zones through which one or more fastening means are found inside the internal structure of the gliding board, the attachment between the additional piece and the board of gliding is considerably improved. In the description which follows, in subsequent steps of embodiment, is meant one or more steps constituting the press molding operation or the injection operation.

Preferably, one or more recesses may be provided in advance in the through fastening zone (s) of the additional component (s). This may allow the filling or the recesses, by a material for binding the internal structure, in the subsequent steps of producing the board. Thanks to the penetration of the material in this or these recesses, the piece can not be demolded.

According to a first operating mode, the material intended to bind the internal structure may be a resin, if the subsequent steps of producing the board include in particular a molding operation in a press. According to a second operating mode, the material intended to bind the internal structure may be a polyurethane foam, if the subsequent steps of producing the board include an injection operation.

In order to further promote a particularly strong hanging of the room or rooms, we can add a phase, located after the phase in which we place the additional room or parts on the outer set of decoration and protection, in which we may provide at least one fastener through the at least one fastening zone for preventing the additional part or parts from being peeled off. Favorably, we can build the brake or brakes provided at the one or more fastening areas through one or more grooves. It can be constituted, preferably, the brakes or provided at the one or more attachment areas through one or more locking keys or washers embedded in the groove or grooves or in the or recesses previously made. It is also possible to form the brake or brakes provided at the one or more through-fastening zones by one or more protruding elements made by a punching operation in the groove (s) or in the recess or recesses previously made.

In order to produce a gliding board with a substantially smooth and continuous surface, the additional piece or pieces may fit at least partially in the structure of the gliding board, so that their upper surface is flush with the outside face of the board. slips. In order to allow the passage of each of the through fastening zones, one or more openings corresponding respectively to the through fastening zone or zones may be provided in the outer assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a gliding board on snow, comprising in particular a gliding sole, an internal structure and an exterior decoration and protection assembly, the outer assembly comprising on its outer surface one or more pieces additional, each having at least one attachment zone, is characterized in that the fixing zone or zones are through, passing through the outer assembly, projecting and penetrating into the internal structure of the board, so as to constitute one or more securing means by anchoring in the outer assembly and / or in said internal structure. The additional piece is not a guide rail of the elements of the safety fastener.

Brief description of the figures

• la Figure 1 représente une vue en coupe transversale partielle d'un ski dont l'ensemble extérieur de protection et de décoration est muni d'une pièce additionnelle selon un premier positionnement ;
• la Figure 2 représente une vue en éclaté de l'ensemble extérieur de protection et de décoration avec la pièce selon la Figure 1, prête à être insérée ;
• la Figure 3 représente une vue latérale de l'ensemble extérieur de protection et de décoration avec une pièce insérée ;
• la Figure 4 représente une vue en coupe transversale partielle d'un ski avec la pièce insérée après les étapes ultérieures d'injection ;
• la Figure 5 représente une vue en coupe transversale partielle d'un ski dont l'ensemble extérieur de protection et de décoration est muni d'une pièce additionnelle selon un deuxième positionnement ; et
• la Figure 6 représente une vue en coupe transversale partielle du ski dont l'ensemble extérieur de protection et de décoration est muni d'une pièce additionnelle selon un troisième positionnement.

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 partial cross-sectional view of a ski whose outer protection and decoration assembly is provided with an additional piece according to a first positioning;
• the Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the exterior protection and decoration assembly with the part according to the Figure 1 , ready to be inserted;
• the Figure 3 represents a side view of the outer protection and decoration assembly with an inserted part;
• the Figure 4 represents a partial cross-sectional view of a ski with the insert inserted after the subsequent injection steps;
• the Figure 5 represents a partial cross-sectional view of a ski whose outer protection and decoration assembly is provided with an additional piece in a second position; and
• the Figure 6 represents a partial cross-sectional view of the ski whose outer protection and decoration assembly is provided with an additional piece in a third position.

Detailed description of the invention

A snowboarding board of the conventional type, such as an alpine ski (1), comprises a front zone with a spatula, a rear zone with a raised heel, a central zone called a skate zone, an outer face (2). forming the top and possibly the edges and a face forming the sliding sole delimited on either side by the two side edges (not shown). The ski (1) also comprises an internal structure (4) most often made by a step of injecting a polyurethane foam into a corresponding mold or by a molding step in press. The outer face (2) is formed by an outer protective and decorative assembly (3) which has an outer surface (6) and an inner surface (7).

According to the invention, the ski (1) comprises an additional piece (8) which can be recessed (see Figures 1 , 4 and 5 ) in the outer face (2) of the ski (1) comprising the outer assembly (3) or which can be placed (see Figure 6 ) on the outer assembly (3). The additional piece (8) has an outer shape (9) and a fixing area (11).

The outer shape (9) can be substantially flat (see Figures 1 and 2 ), or more complex shape, especially if it serves to guide a fastener element, abutment or heel. The outer shape (9) is provided as a substantially rounded portion (see Figures 3 to 5 ), if it is intended to be positioned on a rounded surface of the outer assembly (3), for example in the case of skis called "skis hulls".

Once the ski (1) is completed, the lower surface (12) of the piece (8) will come to press against the outer surface (6) of the outer protection and decoration assembly (3). According to a first embodiment ( Figures 1 , 4 and 5 ), the outer surface (9) of the piece (8) is flush with the upper face (2) of the ski (1). According to another embodiment ( Figure 6 ), the outer surface (9) of the piece (8) comes above the upper face (2) of the outer assembly (3).

The attachment zone (11) extends substantially perpendicular to the outer shape (9) or to the lower surface (12) of the workpiece (8). The attachment zone (11) has a substantially cylindrical protrusion with brakes. These brakes are in the form of one or more grooves or recesses (13 and 14) formed around the substantially cylindrical protrusion. As an example (see Figure 5 ), an axial recess (14) is provided in the fastening zone (11) in the form of a blind hole and a transverse recess (15) perpendicular to the axial recess (14).

In a first embodiment (see Figures 4 and 5 ), the material constituting the internal structure (4) will fill the groove (s) (13) or the recesses (14 and 15). The one or more grooves and recesses (13, 14 and 15) allow an increase in the contact surface between the constituent material of the internal structure and the workpiece (8). The part (8) is much more difficult to tear after molding.

In a second embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2 ), a brake means is provided in the form of an insert washer (16) in the throat (13). This washer (16) prevents an inadvertent output of the part (8) relative to the outer assembly (3) before, during and after the molding operations. This washer may also be a pin, a pin, a key or a pin housed in one or more of the grooves (13) or in one or more of the recesses (14 and 15).

According to the invention, in the method of making the ski (1) with the additional piece (8), the outer decoration and protection assembly (3) is first produced. Then, at least one opening (17) is cleaned through this outer assembly (3) made. Then according to the Figure 3 the workpiece (8) is placed on the outer surface (6) of the outer assembly (3). The attachment zone (11) will pass through the opening (17) of the outer assembly (3). If necessary, snap a washer (16) at the rear of the part (8), so as to lock the assembly between part (8) and outer assembly (3).

For subsequent injection operations, the protruding portion of the attachment zone (11) located inside the internal structure (4) will be enveloped by the polyurethane foam constituting the core of the ski (1).

For subsequent press molding operations, according to a variant of the method for producing the ski (1), a pre-machined core (18) is produced, in particular comprising blind holes or cavities (19) corresponding to each of the attachment zones ( 11) of the additional piece (8). The outer assembly (3) is then placed on the pre-machined core (18). During molding, these holes (19) will be filled with binding resin.

• une pièce de renforcement à l'usure locale ; et/ou
• une pièce destinée à rendre la préhension du ski plus agréable, par un meilleur contact et/ou par une meilleure adhérence, ... ; et/ou
• un élément de fixation, tel que l'embase de la butée ou de la talonnière ; et/ou
• un élément destiné à recevoir la fixation, tel qu'une réglette de positionnement rapide.

The additional part or parts (8) can be:

• a reinforcement piece with local wear; and or
• a piece intended to make the grip of the ski more pleasant, by better contact and / or better adhesion, ...; and or
• a fixing element, such as the base of the stop or the heel; and or
• an element intended to receive the attachment, such as a quick positioning strip.

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.

The number of additional pieces (8), attachment areas (11) per piece (8) can vary. The shapes and materials of the additional parts (8) can be very different depending on the wishes of the manufacturer.

Claims (11)

1. A method for manufacturing a board (1), for gliding over snow, comprising, in particular, a step, prior to the subsequent steps of producing the gliding board (1), consisting in manufacturing a decorative and protective exterior assembly (3), the exterior assembly (3) being provided with at least one additional piece (8) said additional piece being not a rail-type guiding element or a fixing element of a rail-type guiding element for parts of a security binding, and then being positioned in a mold for the subsequent steps of producing the board (1), wherein the following stages are implemented, in which stages:

   a) the exterior assembly (3), having an outer surface (6) and an inner surface (7) is produced;

   b) at least one opening (17) is made in the exterior assembly (3) produced; and

   c) the additional piece or additional pieces (8) is or are placed on the outer surface (6) of the exterior assembly (3), each piece having at least one through-fixing zone (11), passing through the opening or openings (17), projecting from the inner surface (7) and penetrating an inner structure (4) obtained in the subsequent steps of producing the board (1), so as to constitute one or more securing means.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the additional piece is chosen within the group comprising :

   - pieces for reinforcement against localized erosion,

   - pieces provided for the prehension of the board.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the provision is made beforehand in the zone or zones (11) for fixing the additional piece or additional pieces (8) for one or more recesses (13, 14, 15) in order to allow the filling of the recess or recesses (13, 14, 15) with a material for binding the inner structure (4) during the subsequent steps of producing the board (1).
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the material for binding the inner structure (4) is a resin (if the subsequent steps of producing the board (1) comprise, in particular, a compression-molding operation), and wherein the material for binding the inner structure (4) is a polyurethane (if the subsequent steps of producing the board (1) comprise, in particular, an injection operation).
5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a phase, coming after the phase in which the additional piece or additional pieces (8) is or are placed in the opening or openings (17) of the exterior assembly (3) is added, in which phase provision is made in the fixing zone or fixing zone(s) (11) for at least one brake for preventing tearing-away of the additional piece or additional pieces (8).
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the stop or stops provided in the fixing zone or fixing zones (11) consist of one or more grooves (13).
7. The method as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the stop or stops provided in the fixing zone or fixing zones (11) consist of one or more blocking wedges or washers (16) set in the groove or grooves (13) or in the recess or recesses (14, 15).
8. The method as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the stop or stops provided in the fixing zone or fixing zones (11) consists or consist of one or more projecting elements produced by means of a punching operation in the groove or grooves (13) or in the recess or recesses (14, 15).
9. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional piece or additional pieces (8) will be set at least partially in the structure of the board (1) such that its or their upper surface (9) is flush with the exterior face (2) of the gliding board (1).
10. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more openings (17), corresponding, respectively, with the fixing zone or fixing zones (11) is or are made in the exterior assembly (3).
11. A board for gliding over snow, comprising, in particular, a gliding base, an inner structure (4), and a decorative and protective exterior assembly (3), the exterior assembly (3) comprising, on its outer surface (6), one or more additional pieces (8) each having at least one fixing zone (11), wherein the fixing zone or fixing zones (11) is or are a through-zone or through-zones, passing through the exterior assembly (3), projecting and penetrating into the inner structure (4) of the board (1) so as to constitute one or more means of securing by anchoring in the exterior assembly (3) and/or in said inner structure (4).

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