EP1559454A1 - Fastening device for a boot or a shoe on a sports apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a base (3) extending in length from a rear end (4) to a front end (5) and extending in width from an edge (6) to another edge. A rear support unit (23) is mounted in rotation with respect to the base. A link (41) is placed on the base and cooperates with the unit (23) for limiting the rotation of the unit (23) towards rear. The position of the unit (23) with respect to the base is longitudinally adjusted.

Description

The invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a shoe on a machine sport.

Such devices are used for snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or on water, snowshoe, rollerblading, or whatever.

Some devices according to the prior art comprise a seat, designed to support the foot sole or sole of the footwear and a rear support element intended for support the lower leg of a user. The seat is associated with the rear support element as following. First, the seat extends in length from a rear end to an end before. The rear support element has an attachment end opposite to a free end, an articulation of substantially transverse axis connecting the end of attachment to the seat. The joint reduces the size of the device for its storage, in tilting the back support element forward.

Finally a link is connected on the one hand to the seat, by a low link located in front of the articulation, and secondly to the rear support element, by a high link located between the attachment end and the free end. The link restricts the rotation to the back of the element rear support. Thus the latter allows the passage of sensory information between the user and the machine. More precisely, the lower leg can give or receive impulses while driving the machine.

In the case of snowboarding it is possible in particular to push backwards, to take a support on the eponymous square.

However, it appeared that, for a given reception device, the transmission sensory information is not always done with the best efficiency. Indeed a the user has its own characteristics, in particular as regards the size, weight or shoe size. In addition each user can adopt a particular style of driving, which also conditions the transmission of sensory information.

It follows that back support with the lower leg does not always produce the desired effect. Sometimes it is necessary to provide a very important effort to solicit the craft. It tires the user. In other cases, on the contrary, the slightest stress influences the behavior of the machine. This can prevent the user from controlling the driving.

In snowboarding, a rear edge grip that requires too much effort fatigue the user. If, on the other hand, the rear edge can be made with a weak support, the less parasitic solicitation will influence the behavior of the craft against the will of the user.

By corollary the impulses from the machine and transmitted to the lower leg, via the element rear support, are not always the reflection of the behavior of the machine. The pulses are sometimes excessive or insufficient.

The object of the invention is in particular to improve such a device and, for example, to make the device capable of transmitting sensory information with improved efficiency.

For this purpose the invention proposes a device for receiving a foot or a shoe on a sports vehicle, the device comprising a seat associated with a rear support element, the seat extending in length from a rear end to a front end, and in width of one first edge to a second edge, the rear support member being rotatably mounted relative to the seat, a link being arranged on the seat and cooperating with the rear support element for limit the rotation towards the rear of the rear support element.

The device according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the position of the support element rear relative to the seat is longitudinally adjustable.

An adjustment of the position of the rear support element modifies the position of the surface of contact between the back of the shoe and the rear support element.

Thus the user can choose the longitudinal position of the foot or the shoe, by relative to the seat, which suits him. Of course the position relative to the seat conditions directly the position relative to the machine.

It is therefore possible to select a foot or shoe position for a efficient transmission of sensory information.

The resulting benefits include the adaptability of the reception system to different users, the adaptability of the device to a given user who wishes to drive the craft differently.

It follows that back support with the lower leg substantially produces the desired effect, or that a pulse from the machine is substantially a reflection of the behavior of the machine.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective et en plongée d'un dispositif d'accueil selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue similaire à la figure 1, en partie éclatée,
• la figure 3 est une vue arrière du dispositif,
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté du dispositif, dans un cas où l'élément d'appui arrière est avancé,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4, dans un cas où l'élément d'appui arrière est reculé,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un premier chariot du dispositif,
• la figure 7 est une coupe selon VII-VII de la figure 5,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 5,
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique par dessous du dispositif, dans un cas où une première et une deuxième extrémités d'attache de l'élément d'appui arrière sont dans la même position longitudinale,
• la figure 10 est similaire à la figure 9, dans un cas où la première et la deuxième extrémités sont décalées longitudinalement.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, in a non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be realized, and in which :

• FIG. 1 is a perspective and plunging view of a reception device according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, partly broken away,
• FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device,
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the device, in a case where the rear support element is advanced,
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, in a case where the rear support element is moved backwards,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first carriage of the device,
• FIG. 7 is a section along VII-VII of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 8 is a section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 9 is a schematic view from below of the device, in a case where a first and a second attachment end of the rear support element are in the same longitudinal position,
• Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9, in a case where the first and second ends are longitudinally offset.

Although the form described below refers rather to the field of snowboarding, it must be understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

The embodiment is presented using FIGS. 1 to 10.

As seen in Figure 1 in perspective, a reception device 1 allows reception temporary on a board 2 of a shoe not shown.

In known manner the reception device 1 comprises a seat 3 which extends in length between a rear end 4 and a front end 5, and in width from a first edge 6 to a second edge 7.

The seat 3 has an upper face 8 provided to be facing the sole of the shoe, and a lower face 9 provided to be above the board 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 9, the seat 3 preferably comprises a base 10 covered by a cushion 11. The base 10 is a rigid piece which delimits at least in part the 9. The cushion 11 in turn delimits at least part of the upper face 8. According to the embodiment described, the cushion 11 extends from the rear end 4 to the end before 5 of the seat 3. This allows a cushioned contact with the entire surface of the sole of the shoe. A rear portion 12 and a front portion 13 of the cushion 11 define a space housing 14 for the base 10.

Of course, other structures for the seat 3 may be provided, such as for example a base associated with two cushions, one at the back, the other at the front.

The seat 3 is retained in the board 2 by means represented in the form of a disc 15, itself retained in the board 2 by screws 16.

Of course, other means of retaining the seat 3 could be provided.

As can be seen by looking again at FIG. 1, the seat 3 is bordered laterally by a first flange 20 and a second flange 21. In this case the first flange 20 is lateral and the second 21 is medial, but it could have been the opposite. Each of the flanges 20, 21 respectively form a lateral or medial part of the device 1 for delimit a reception area 22 of the shoe. When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 20, 21 along the sole laterally. Of course, it could be provided other than the flanges 20, 21 to form the lateral and medial parts. By example of the stops could be suitable.

Preferably, the base 10 and the flanges 20, 21 form a single piece made by example in synthetic material. However it could be expected that the flanges 20, 21 are parts secured to the base by any means, such as gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, or other.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 23, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

The rear support element 23 comprises a curved plate 24 which extends longitudinally between first 25 and second 26 attachment ends and one end 27, transversely between a first edge or side edge 28 and a second edge or medial edge 29, and in thickness between a bearing face 30 and a free face 31.

Of course the bearing face 30 is provided to receive the back of the lower leg of the user, the rear support member 23 and the base 10 being associated accordingly.

According to the embodiment described, as is best seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, the element 23 is rotatably mounted relative to the seat 3. For this the rear support element is connected to the flanges 20, 21 by means of a first hinge 32, situated at the level of the first attachment end 25, and by means of a second articulation 33, located at the of the second attachment end 26. Each hinge 32, 33 is respectively oriented substantially a first 34 and a second transverse axis of the device 1. Each articulation 32, 33 may comprise any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, trunnion, or other.

Each articulation 32, 33 allows a rotational movement of the rear support element 23 to the seat 3. An advantage that arises is to facilitate storage.

According to the embodiment described, a stop 40 limits the rotation toward the rear of the element eponymous support 23.

In a nonlimiting manner the stop 40 comprises a link 41 which bypasses the support element 23. The link 41 is disposed on the seat 3 and cooperates with the rear support element 23 to limit the rearward rotation of the rear support element 23. The path of the link 41 can be observed in FIGS. 1 to 5. For example, the link 41 comprises a first portion or side portion 42 and a second portion or medial portion 43, one prolonging the other. Each portion 42, 43 of the link 41 is connected to the base 10 respectively by a first 44 and a second 45 low link, which 44, 45 are located each in front of the first 32 or the second 33 articulation.

The link 41 is preferably made from a cable, the latter presenting a first end or lateral end 46, and a second end or medial end 47. Each of the ends 46, 47 is connected to the lateral flange 20 or medial 21 by any means known to those skilled in the art, to form the first 44 and second 45 low links. The use of a crimped tip may be suitable. Between the low links 44, 45, the cable 41 follows each flange 20, 21 away from it, to bypass the rear support member 23 in a position further away from the flanges.

More specifically, the first portion 42 and the second portion 43 are each connected to the rear support element 23 by a first 48 and a second 49 high link, which are located respectively between the first 25 or second 26 attachment end and the free end 27. Without limitation, the upper links 48, 49 comprise each a first 50 and a second guide 51.

It is also provided a means for adjusting the angular position of the rear support element 23 relative to the base 10. The means is made for example in the form of a shim 52, secured to the rear support element 23 on the side of the free face 31. The wedge 52, located between the guides 50, 51, holds the cable 41. It is sufficient to move the wedge 52 closer or further away from the free end 27. For this purpose any means of immobilization known to those skilled in the art appropriate. The means may comprise a screw 53 for tightening or loosening the wedge 52 relative to the rear support element 23. Additional teeth of the hold 52 and the rear support element 23 allow positioning of one on the other. These teeth are well known to those skilled in the art.

It is also provided two ties of tightening of the shoe, to maintain so removable shoe on the base 10, between the flanges 20, 21, in the reception area 22.

A first link 60 is forward, at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is held. A second link 61 is located aft, at the level of the instep when the foot is held.

Each of the links 60, 61 extends transversely between the flanges 20, 21.

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

The first link 60 includes a lateral portion 62 releasably connected to a portion medial 63, by means of a reversible locking device 64.

The second link 61 comprises a division before 65 and a rear division 66. The division before 65 of the link 61 is located on the side of the bearing face 30 of the rear support element 23, and the rear division 66 is located on the side of the free face 31 of the rear support member. it allows the second link 61 to grip the rear support member 23 at the same time as it holds the foot or the shoe. It follows that the back of the lower leg is still pressed against the bearing face 30 of the rear support element 23. A benefit that arises is a Direct transmission of driving pulses during backrests.

As can be seen for example in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear division 66 of the link 61 includes a first foot or lateral foot 67 and a second foot or medial foot 68 connected one to the other by an arch 69. Each of the lateral feet 67 and medial 68 is respectively associated with lateral flange 20 and medial 21, for example using a first articulation or lateral articulation 70 having a transverse axis 71, and a second articulation or articulation medial 72 with transverse axis 73. A benefit that arises is to confer on the division rear 66 a degree of freedom in rotation along the transverse axes 71, 73. This facilitates the setting up the rear division 66. The arch 69 is easier to plate on the free face 31 of the rear support element 23.

The division before 65 is presented, meanwhile, using Figure 1.

The division before 65 is associated with the rear division 66. It is represented in the form of a succession of three portions, which are a first attachment portion 74, a portion of 75 cover of the shoe, and a second attachment portion 76. The front division 65 may be reversibly tightened, or opened, using a reversible locking device 77. The latter is well known to those skilled in the art.

Of course, other structures could be planned to make the second link. By example it is possible to keep only the front division, connecting it directly to flanges 20, 21.

According to the invention the position of the rear support element 23 with respect to the seat, and therefore relative to the base 10, is longitudinally adjustable. So is it possible to move forward or move back the position of the contact surface between the back of the shoe and the support element 23. The user can therefore choose the longitudinal position of the foot or the shoe, compared to the seat, which suits him. In this way he selects a position of shoe that is the best for transmitting sensory information.

According to the described embodiment, as is generally understood by means of Figures 4 to 10, there is provided a first 90 and a second 91 trolley for adjusting the longitudinal position of the support element 23. Structures and modes of operation carriages 90, 91 are similar. Also only the first 90 is described in more detail below.

The first carriage 90 is in the form of an elongate piece. It extends into length of a rear end 92 at a front end 93, in width of an outer face 94 to an inner face 95, and in height from a lower limit 96 to an upper limit 97. The first carriage 90 has a U-shaped section, observable in particular on the Figures 6 and 7. Its outer surfaces 94 and inner 95 are perforated by external windows 98 and interior 99. This structure gives the trolley 90 at the same time a certain lightness and a good mechanical resistance. The materials used to make it may include metal or synthetic materials, whether or not armed. For example an aluminum alloy is very good.

The first carriage 90 is mounted displaceable longitudinally relative to the first flange 20. For this the carriage 90 is housed in a first longitudinal cavity 110, formed in the first flange 20. The first carriage 90 is guided longitudinally in the cavity 110, because it allows a longitudinal displacement of the carriage 90. This is why the cavity 110 has a length substantially greater than that of the carriage 90, but a width and height barely higher. Other means of guiding the carriage could be provided, for example the carriage could be guided longitudinally on the flange.

The establishment of the carriage 90 in the cavity 110 is by insertion on the side of the face lower 9. A bottom 111 of the cavity 110, partly perforated by a slot 112, limits the depth of insertion of the carriage 90. It is also provided a lug 113, to avoid an exit inadvertent carriage 90 out of the cavity 110. Preferably, the lug 113 is a outgrowth of material from the first flange 20. The lug 113 moves elastically to the placing the carriage 90, to lodge in the outer window 98.

In a complementary manner, there is provided means for indexing the position of the carriage 90 along the longitudinal cavity 110. This means comprises for example streaks 114 arranged vertically on the outer face 94, and an inner boss 115 formed in the cavity 110. Of course the boss 115 and the striations 114 act so conjugate, to create one or more hard points when sliding the carriage 90 in the cavity 110. The indexing means makes it possible to position the carriage 90 more easily.

To adjust the longitudinal position of the first carriage 90, adjustment means comprises, for example, three orifices 120, 121, 122 formed in the outer face 94, and a screw 123. As can be seen in Figure 9, the screw 123 is screwed into the cavity longitudinal 110 to fit into one of the three orifices 120, 121, 122. The operation of adjustment consists of unscrewing the screw 123, manually moving the carriage, then screwing the screw 123 to partially fill at least one of the orifices 120, 121, 122.

Preferably, the indexing and adjusting means coordinate their effects. That means when an orifice 120, 121, 122 of the adjusting means is occupied by the screw 123, the boss 115 of the cavity 110 is embedded in a groove 114 of the carriage 90.

The first attachment end 25 of the rear support element 23 is connected to the first trolley 90 by the first articulation 32 of transverse axis 34. For this at the level of the first carriage 90, the hinge 32 has a circular orifice 124 formed in the inner face 95, near the rear end 92. To connect the first attachment end 25 to carriage 90, the first hinge 32 also comprises a journal 125.

Thus at the first attachment end 25, the rear support element 23 is connected to the first flange 20 via the first carriage 90. The connection of the element rear support 23 flange 20, and therefore the seat 3, is therefore an indirect connection, the carriage 90 carrying the first attachment end 25 of the rear support element 23.

It is the same at the second attachment end 26. The second carriage 91 is guided longitudinally in a cavity 130 of the second flange 21. The second attachment end 26 of the rear support member 23 is connected to the second carriage 91 by the second articulation 33 with transverse axis 35.

Thus at the second attachment end 26, the rear support element 23 is connected to the second flange 21 via the second carriage 91. Again the connection of the rear support element 23 to the flange 21, and therefore to the seat 3, is an indirect connection, the carriage 91 carrying the second attachment end 26 of the rear support element 23.

It is possible to move the carriages 90, 91 independently of one another.

Figures 4, 5 and 9 correspond to situations for which the trolleys 90, 91 are substantially vis-à-vis. Their longitudinal positions are the same. As a result first 25 and second 26 attachment ends are opposite one another according to a transverse direction of the device. It follows that the rear support element 23 is substantially centered on the back of the lower leg, when it is in the device 1. This allows the user to take precise bearings in a longitudinal longitudinal direction. In one case where the device 1 is oriented transversely with respect to the board 2, the edge grip is easier because the forces are oriented perpendicular to the board 2.

The user can bring the rear support element 23 forward, according to FIG. towards the rear according to FIG. 5, or in an intermediate position according to FIG. Device 1 is adjustable in length. This allows the user to take into account its size, his weight, his size, his driving style, or the quality of the snow.

Differently FIG. 10 corresponds to a situation for which the trolleys 90, 91 are offset longitudinally. As a result the first 25 and second 26 ends fasteners are staggered. It follows that the rear support element 23 is off-center on the rear of the lower leg, when it is in the device 1. This allows the user to take precise bearings in a direction offset from the rear longitudinal direction. The user can shift the rear support element 23 to compensate for an offset of the device 1 in relation to plate 2. As a result, he can again guide his support rear perpendicular to the board 2.

This multiplicity of adjustments is possible because the rear support element 23 can be moved longitudinally at least one 28, 29 of its edges.

In the manner of the attachment ends 25, 26 of the rear support element 23, the link 41 is connected to the seat 3 indirectly through the low links 44, 45. The first end 46 of the first portion 42 of the link 41 is connected to the first carriage 90, preferably at the from its front end 93. By analogy the second end 47 of the second portion 43 link 41 is connected to the second carriage 91, preferably at its front end. It follows that each of the carriages 90, 91 is connected both to an attachment end 25, 26 of the rear support member and a link portion 42, 43 41. In other words the device 1 comprises means for moving the rear support element 23 simultaneously with the link 41.

Of course the difference is constant between a hinge 32, 33 of a fastening end 25, 26 and one end 46, 47 of the link 41. This allows the user to adjust the position longitudinal axis of a carriage 90, 91, and therefore an edge 28, 29 of the rear support element 23, without changing the angular position along a transverse axis of the support element 23.

In other words for the rear support element 23, the adjustment of the longitudinal positions and the tilt adjustment along a transverse axis are independent. This prevents a setting disturb the other. An advantage that results is to be able to modify a parameter related to the driving the board, without influencing another.

In general, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Of course the invention is not limited to the embodiment described, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, it is possible to provide other means of adjusting the longitudinal position of the rear support element, as well as other structures for trolleys 90, 91 or for links 41, 60, 61. Yet it can be provided a single carriage, in central or lateral position.

It can also be provided that the means for adjusting the longitudinal position of the element rear support are independent of the means for adjusting the longitudinal position of the link 41 of the abutment 40. For example with two separate trolleys in the same cavity longitudinal of a flange. In this case the longitudinal displacement of the support element back 23 is independent of link 41.

The joints 32, 33 which connect the rear support element 23 to the carriages 90, 91 are different joints 70, 72 which connect the second link 61 to the flanges 20, 21. Thus link 61 can not move forward or backward. However it can be expected to arrange the joints 70, 72 of the link 61 on the trolleys 90, 91. In this case the link 61 follows the movements of the carts.

Claims (13)

Device (1) for receiving a foot or boot on a sports machine (2), the device (1) comprising a seat (3) associated with a rear support element (23), seat (3) extending in length from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), and in width from a first edge (6) to a second edge (7), the support element rear (23) being rotatably mounted relative to the seat (3), a link (41) being arranged on the seat (3) and cooperating with the rear support element (23) to limit the rotation towards the seat (3); rear of the rear support element (23),
characterized in that the position of the rear support element (23) relative to the seat (3) is longitudinally adjustable. Reception device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal displacement of the rear support element (23) is independent of the link (41). Reception device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for moving the rear support element (23) simultaneously with the link (41). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rear support element (23) can be moved longitudinally at least one (28, 29). from its edges. Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1, 3 and 4, characterized in that the seat (3) is bordered laterally by a first flange (20), a first carriage (90) being movably mounted longitudinally relative to the first flange (20), the carriage (90) carrying a first attachment end (25) of the rear support member (23), adjustment means being provided for adjusting the longitudinal position of the first carriage (90). Reception device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a first end (46) of a first portion (42) of the link (41) is connected to the first carriage (90). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, characterized in that the seat (3) is bordered laterally by a second flange (21), a second carriage (91) being mounted movable longitudinally relative to the second flange (21), the carriage (91) carrying a second end end (26) of the rear support member (23), adjustment means being provided for adjusting the longitudinal position of the second carriage (91). Reception device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a second end (47) of a second portion (43) of the link (41) is connected to the second carriage (91). Reception device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the link (41) comprises the first (42) and the second (43) portions, one extending the other, the link (41) bypassing the rear support element (23) in a position remote from the flanges (20, 21). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the adjusting means comprises orifices (120, 121, 122) formed in the outer face (94) of each carriage (90, 91), and a screw (123) screwed into the longitudinal cavity (110, 130) of the flange (20, 21) for insertion into one of the orifices (120, 121, 122). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that it comprises an indexing means of each carriage (90, 91). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a lug (113) which prevents untimely exit of the carriage (90, 91) from the cavity (110, 130 ). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a second link (61) for holding a shoe on the seat (3) between the flanges (20, 21) the second link (61) having a first foot (67) associated with the first flange (20) by means of a first articulation (70) of transverse axis (71) and a second foot (68) associated with the second flange (21) with a second articulation (72) of transverse axis (73).

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