EP1797931B1 - Cross-country ski and skibinding device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly has a ski (11) comprising an upper side (32) intended to receive a fixation device (12) that is provided for holding a shoe on the ski. The fixation device has an anchorage device comprising a locking unit that permits to plate the fixation device against the upper side. The anchorage device has a slide (70) transversally arranged at center of the ski and presenting a width lesser than the width of the ski.

Description

The invention relates to the field of cross-country skis equipped with at least one device for attaching an article of footwear to the ski.

In many cross-country ski binding devices, the binding member of the boot consists of a connecting pin which is intended to be trapped in a jaw. Such a system is for example described in the patents FR-2,638,974 , FR-2645764 , FR-2834473 , FR-2742060 , FR-2856312 , FR-2738158 , EP-551 899 , EP-904 139 .

In other devices, the binding member of the shoe consists of two parts: two parallel connecting axes ( EP-679 415 , FR-2853253 , Fur-2.843.310, WO-01/93963 ), a forward stop is a rear hooking spout ( FR-2776200 , FR-2733159 , EP-1100601 , DE-10.2004.018.296 ).

Other devices are described, for example in the document EP-1492598 .

Various means are known for anchoring such a fastening device on a cross-country ski. In many cases, the anchoring is simply provided by screws that anchor the device directly on the ski. In other cases, the fastening device is directly glued or welded to the ski, or even snapped elastically.

In the document WO88 / 04563 it is proposed a cross-country ski mount device which is mounted on an interface element which is secured to the ski. This interface element forms a longitudinal slide in which the fixing device can slide. The fixing device has specific blocking means of its longitudinal position with respect to the interface element. These means comprise firstly a vertical screw at the front, which enters the ski, and secondly an eccentric toothed wheel cooperating with a side rack. The blocking means described in this document therefore make it possible to block the device in one of a series of predefined discrete postions.

In the document WO 03/002217 , the fixing device is fitted on an interface element which is in the form of a plate covering the upper face of the ski. The interface plate is screwed onto the ski and the fixing device is fitted on the interface plate without there being any direct contact between the fixing device and the ski.

The document EP 383 104 discloses a ski and attachment assembly for which an anchoring device comprises two plates and one or more slides. The plates receive the binding, and more specifically a front stop and a heel. Each plate is designed to slide on the slide. The document EP 383 104 does not use a clamping means that plate the binding against the upper face of the ski.

In the document WO2004045728 and the document DE-U-202005002010 , there is described an interface plate which is intended to be glued or welded to the ski. The edges of the plate form a slide on which the body of the fastening device can be engaged by sliding.

In the document DE-10.2004.024.881 , there is described a fixing device mounted on an interface element and having toothed rockers, forming part of the base of the attachment, and provided to cooperate with corresponding racks formed on the interface element. This system, like that of the document WO88 / 04563 described above, ensures a locking of the fixing device in one of several predetermined discrete positions, without provision of clamping mechanism.

The document DE-U-297.24.094 describes an assembly in which a central rail is fixed on the upper face of a ski. A base, on which a fastener can be secured, has on its underside a profile complementary to the rail, so as to be slidably engaged on the rail. Longitudinal locking means is provided to ensure complete anchoring of the fastening device on the ski. This document describes no clamping means.

Compared to the prior art in which the fixing device is screwed directly into the ski, these devices provide greater possibilities of assembly / disassembly of the assembly and the possibilities of adjustment of the longitudinal position on the ski. However, they have the disadvantage of adding weight to the assembly, raising the attachment device, and / or preventing direct transmission of the user's efforts to ski, all factors that go to against the performance of the whole. In addition, they all have the disadvantage of allowing games of operation remain between the fastening device and the ski, games that affect the driving accuracy of the ski. In certain embodiments of the prior art, it has even been found that, since the longitudinal locking means do not provide any holding / guiding function, the fastening device can be detached from its interface in the event of significant effort, by example during a fall.

The object of the invention is to propose a new design of a ski-fixing device assembly which makes it possible to achieve a better compromise between all of these components.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a ski assembly and fixing device, of the type comprising a ski which has an upper face intended to receive a fixing device provided for retaining a boot on the ski, of the type in which the fixing device comprises an anchoring device which makes it possible to anchor the fastening device on the ski, the anchoring device comprising a slideway, characterized in that the anchoring device comprises at least one clamping means which makes it possible to press the fixing device against the upper face of the ski.

According to other features of the invention, the slide is arranged transversely to the center of the ski, and it has a width less than the width of the ski, so that the support zone of the ski is arranged transversely on both sides. other of the central slide.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de l'ensemble de la figure 1, dans un état opérationnel ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique, en coupe longitudinale partielle de l'ensemble de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale du ski équipé de la glissière, avant le montage du dispositif de fixation ;
• les figures 5 à 7 sont des vues en coupe selon les lignes V-V, VI-VI et VII-VII de la figure 3 ;
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues schématiques agrandies illustrant les effets des moyens de serrage ;
• la figure 10 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, illustrant une variante de réalisation du premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 11 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, illustrant un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon l'invention ;
• les figures 12 à 16 sont des vues similaires à celles respectivement des figures 2 à 6, illustrant le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 17 est une vue de détail en coupe longitudinale illustrant les moyens de serrage ;
• les figures 18 et 19 sont des vues schématiques agrandies illustrant les effets du moyen de serrage de la figure 17 ;
• la figure 20 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure à 1, illustrant une variante de réalisation du second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues similaires à celles des figures 1 et 2 illustrant un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 23 et 24 sont coupes respectivement selon les lignes XXIII-XXIII et XXIV-XXIV de la figure 22.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description, as well as on the following drawings:

• the figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the whole of the figure 1 in an operational state;
• the figure 3 is a schematic view, in partial longitudinal section of the whole of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ski equipped with the slide, before mounting the fixing device;
• the Figures 5 to 7 are sectional views along the lines VV, VI-VI and VII-VII of the figure 3 ;
• the Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged schematic views illustrating the effects of the clamping means;
• the figure 10 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 illustrating an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment;
• the figure 11 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 illustrating a second embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
• the Figures 12 to 16 are views similar to those of Figures 2 to 6 illustrating the second embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 17 is a detail view in longitudinal section illustrating the clamping means;
• the Figures 18 and 19 are enlarged schematic views illustrating the effects of the clamping means of the figure 17 ;
• the figure 20 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the invention;
• the figures 21 and 22 are views similar to those of figures 1 and 2 illustrating a third embodiment of the invention;
• the Figures 23 and 24 are cut respectively along lines XXIII-XXIII and XXIV-XXIV of the figure 22 .

Three exemplary embodiments of an assembly 10 according to the invention are more particularly described, with in the case types, ski-ski binding devices 12 ensuring the retention of the front end of a cross-country ski boot of which the rear end remains free to lift.

In the illustrated examples, for example at figure 2 , the fastening device 12 is intended to ensure the attachment of a cross-country ski boot comprising two-part connecting means. The shoe (not shown in the figures) has for this purpose two connecting bars which are arranged in the sole of the shoe so as to be flush below it. Footwear provided with this type of linking bars are described in the patent applications EP-A-913102 and EP-A-913103 which will be usefully referred to for more details. Thus, it is for example two cylindrical bars of revolution arranged across a longitudinal groove in the underside of the sole. The front bar is for example located in the vicinity of the front end of the sole and the rear bar is shifted rearward by a defined distance to be arranged at or in front of an area of the shoe corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal flexion zone of the user's foot. This arrangement of the binding areas is particularly appreciated in cross-country skiing because it allows, with a shoe sole flexible, to maintain a flexion of the shoe corresponding to that of the foot. However, the invention could also be implemented with connecting members having another geometry or another configuration, for example non-circular section bars, hooks, nozzles or latching grooves formed directly in the material. the sole, etc ...

The front bar is intended to cooperate, in a manner known per se, with a locking mechanism 14 comprising a movable jaw 16, hook-shaped, and a transverse edge 18 constituting a fixed jaw, for the rotary locking of the boot on the 'sport item. Once locked in the locking system, the front linkage bar can rotate freely within the jaw, thus providing an articulated attachment of the front end of the shoe. The operating principle of the locking mechanism 14 is here perfectly known from the prior art (as for example in the systems marketed by the applicant under the trade name "SNS Pilot"), and it will not be described in detail, knowing that the invention can be implemented with other types of locking mechanisms.

The rear bar is intended to allow the binding of the shoe with a resilient return system integrated in a guide edge 20 of the device. Such an elastic return system is for example described in the document EP-768 103 in the name of the plaintiff. It thus comprises a rod 22 having a hook-shaped front end 24 (intended to hook onto the rear bar of the shoe), and a rear end connected to the base so as to be able to slide longitudinally and pivot about a transverse axis. Elastic return means (not visible) tend to return the link 22 to the rest position illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . In this way, when the heel of the shoe is raised, by pivoting the shoe around its front bar, the rod 22, attached to the rear bar of the shoe, can follow the upward and forward movement of the shoe. the rear bar, while exerting on it a return force which tends to bring the sole of the shoe to the upper face of the ski 11.

The invention may also be implemented for other fastening devices, for example for a fixing device of the type described in the document EP-1440713 , or any of those described in one of the documents cited in the preamble of the present application. Thus, the invention can be easily implemented with a device comprising, at the front, an elastic buffer against which the front end of the boot bears when its heel lifts, as for example in systems marketed by the applicant under the trade name "SNS Profil". In the latter case, the shoe may then comprise a single link bar.

In all cases, the fixing device 1 comprises a base (or main body) 26 which can be made in one or more parts, and on which are mounted for example a locking mechanism and an elastic return mechanism (possibly reduced to a simple elastic stamp). In the example shown, the base 26 has a rear portion 28 (which also forms the rear portion of the guide edge 20) and a front portion 30 which carries the locking and elastic return systems. The main body as a whole has a lower portion which is substantially plate-shaped extending along the length of the attachment device and a width close to the usual width of the ski on which it is to be anchored. As can be seen this lower plate-shaped portion, on each side of the guide edge 20, side steps on which the shoe is intended to bear when the user exerts pressure downwards. In the practice of cross-country skiing, in classical technique or in skating technique, such a phase occurs especially when the user is propelled forward using his ski.

In the first embodiment illustrated on the Figures 1 to 10 , the assembly comprises a ski in the form of a cross-country ski 11 (of which only the central portion is illustrated) whose upper face has a non-planar relief. In this case, the upper face 32 has a central disbursement 34 which extends longitudinally over a significant portion of the length of the ski 11. More particularly, this disbursement 34 extends in the central area of the ski which is intended to receive a fixing device. This disbursement presents in this case a substantially U-shaped section open vertically upwards. In sectional view, the disbursement 34 is transversely framed on each side by lateral portions 36 of the upper surface of the ski which are arranged at a level above the level of the upper surface of the ski in the disbursement 34. these lateral portions 36 is connected to the disbursement 34 by a rounded edge, and is connected to one of the side faces 38 of the ski by another rounded edge, but they each have, between these two rounded edges, a substantially flat portion.

In the illustrated example, the disbursement of the ski 34 is a particular form of the ski which is obtained directly during the manufacture of the ski, which in particular means that the upper layer of the ski (comprising, for example, from the inside to the ski). an outer layer, a reinforcing layer of resin-coated fibers, a decorative layer, and an outer protective layer) extends as well to the bottom of the disbursement 34 as in the side portions 36 of the upper face 32 of the ski.

According to the invention, the assembly further comprises, for anchoring the fastening device 12, a central slideway 40.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the central slide 40 is in the form of a longitudinal piece which is intended to be received and fixed in the disbursement 34 of the ski. In the illustrated example, the slide 40 is fixed in the disbursement by gluing or welding. In this case, it is advantageous that the slideway has a lower contact face 42 which is complementary to the upper face of the ski in the disbursement 34, this to ensure a maximum contact area. The slide 40 could however also be fixed on the ski 11 by screwing, in which case the lower face 42 of the slideway 40 could have a different geometry from that of the disbursement 34, provided however that it is possible to guarantee precise positioning and stable of slide 40 by compared to skiing. In other variants (not shown), it could be provided that the slide is fixed on ski by fixing elements previously implanted in the ski, for example during the manufacture of the ski, these elements being for example linked to the core or only at the top layer of the ski. The slide could still be integrated directly into the ski during the manufacture of the latter. However, it will generally be more convenient to provide that the slide is fixed against the outer layer of the upper face of the ski, during or after the manufacture of the ski.

The slide 40 has a recessed groove 44 which extends longitudinally, which opens upwards in an upper face 46 of the slide and which has a sectional profile with a lower part and an upper part. The lower part of the groove 44 has a maximum transverse width which is greater than that of the upper part, the latter opening into the upper face 46. The lower part has substantially a semi-circular profile, while the upper part is a simple parallel vertical grooves. The groove 44 thus has, in cross section, a general shape similar to that of an inverted keyhole. The slide 40 is entirely received in the disbursement 34, so that it has a width and a height that are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the disbursement 34. It is therefore obvious that the slide 40 has a width less than that of the ski in the central area of the latter. In practice, the slideway may thus have a width of the order of 10 to 25 mm, for a height of the order of 8 to 20 mm.

In the illustrated example, the disbursement 34 has, in cross section, a constant profile over the entire length of the central zone in which the slide must be implanted. In this way, it can be envisaged that the lower surface 42 of the slide 40, as well as the groove 44, also has a constant profile along the entire length of the slideway. In this case, it is possible to envisage that the slideway is made in the form of an extruded profile element and cut to the desired length, a particularly advantageous method of manufacture in terms of costs. However, it is also conceivable that the slide 40 is made by molding, or any other suitable method of manufacture.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slideway 40 is made in the form of an extruded profile member, and at each end of the slide are provided finishing tips 48.

To ensure its anchoring on the ski, the fixing device 12 comprises anchoring elements 50, 52, 54, 56 which are intended to cooperate with the slideway 40.

In the illustrated example, these anchoring elements each comprise a rail element which is intended to be slidably engaged in the groove 44 of the slideway being generally immobilized in all directions except in longitudinal translation. In this example, the rail elements have in cross section the same profile as that of the groove 44. They could have a different profile, only to be in contact with certain parts of the walls defining the groove. In the example shown, the rail elements have a length of the order of 20 to 30 mm.

Each rail element is connected to at least one part of the fixing device.

In the illustrated example, there are four separate rail members 50, 52, 54, 56 which are each connected to one of the parts of the base.

On the figure 5 it can be seen, for example, that one of the rail elements 52 is an extension of the front part 30 of the base of the binding, more specifically of a substantially flat lower portion of this front part 30. The rail element 52, which is made here integrally with the base, could be made in the form of an insert fixed by any known means (gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, etc ...)

On the figure 6 , we see a rail element 54 which is made integrally at the lower end of a support leg of the rear portion 28 of the base. In these two cases, the rail element is therefore fixed relative to the fixing device.

On the contrary, as we see on figures 1 , 3 and 7 , the rear rail member 56 is not fixed relative to the fastening device 12. The rear rail member 56 is provided with a nut portion, while the rear portion of the base 26 carries a screw 58 vertical axis whose upper head is supported vertically downward against the underside of a housing of the base. The screw 58 passes through this lower face through a suitable bore, and its lower end is screwed into the nut portion of the rear rail member 56, to form a downward clamping means of the fastener. It is clear that the rail element 56, when engaged in the groove 44 of the slideway 40, can not move vertically upwards or in rotation. In this way, by screwing the screw 58 in the nut part of the rail element 56, vertical movement is caused towards the bottom of the screw 58, whose head carries with it the base 26.

According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly is designed so that the fastening device 12 is pressed against the upper face 32 of the ski. This feature ensures that it eliminates any vertical play between the attachment device 12 and the ski 11, so that it avoids any parasitic movement when using the ski.

As illustrated more precisely in the schematic views of the Figures 8 and 9 , the assembly is preferably designed so that, under the action of the clamping means, the fastening device 12 comes first on the ski 11, then on the slide 40.

So, at the figure 8 it can be seen that the base has a lower face in which two parts can be distinguished: a central portion 60 and two lateral portions 62. The hole provided for the screw 58 opens into the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base. The two lateral parts 62 of the lower face are designed to be arranged substantially facing the lateral portions 36 of the upper face 32 of the ski 11.

The upper face 46 of the slide 40 on the one hand, and the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base, on the other hand, have an offset in height with respect to the lateral portions 36 of the upper face of the ski respectively. 11 on the one hand, and by relative to the lateral parts 62 of the lower face of the base. These two offsets are calculated so that the lateral portions 62 of the base are in contact with the lateral parts 36 of the upper face of the ski without the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base being in abutment against the face. upper 46 of the slide 40.

This situation is illustrated in figure 8 , where we see that an offset "d" exists between the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base and the upper face 46 of the slide 40. In the illustrated example, it has been chosen to arrange the upper face 46 of the slide 40 at a lower level at the side portions 36 of the upper face 32 of the ski. Similarly, it has been provided that the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base is arranged at a higher level at the side portions 62 of this lower face. These two offsets are preferably limited to a few tenths of a millimeter.

To the figure 9 , it is illustrated that, when the screw 58 is gradually tightened, the clamping action exerted on the fixing device by the screw torque 58-rail element 56, the base is deformed progressively until the central portion 60 of the lower face of the base bears against the upper face 46 of the slide 40.

This deformation is allowed on the one hand because the material of the base does not have extreme rigidity, and on the other hand thanks to a shape geometry of the base which allows a controlled deformation of the base for make the double contact on the one hand between the lateral parts of the base and the ski, and on the other hand between the central part of the base and the slide 40.

By providing that the base comes first bearing on the side faces 36 of the ski, it ensures an optimum contact width between the fixing device and the ski. We also ensure the absence of play between these two elements.

Providing further that, following the action of the clamping means, the base comes into abutment against the slide 40, it ensures a limitation of the pulling force exerted by the clamping means on the slide 40.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, only the rear rail element 56 is made in the form of a part of a clamping means. The other rail elements 50, 52, 54 provide only a guiding and vertical retaining function of the fastening device 12 on the ski 11. However, it could be provided that at least one of these three other rail elements is also associated with a clamping means, in which case it would be particularly advisable to provide that the front rail member 50 is associated with a clamping means, in order to ensure optimum plating of the fastening device 12 against the ski 11.

In the illustrated example, it has been chosen to use four distinct and short length rail elements. This makes it possible in particular to limit the friction between said rail elements and the groove 44 of the slideway when the device 12 is engaged on the slideway 40. In fact, in the example illustrated in the figures, it is necessary to engage one of the front or rear elements by one of the rear or front ends of the groove 44 of the slide 40. It is then necessary to engage the device over the entire length separating the two end rail members.

In the variant embodiment of the first embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in FIG. figure 10 , the slideway 40 has three windows 64 which make it possible to vertically engage each of the rail elements 50, 52, 54 and then to longitudinally offset the device to engage said rail elements in the unopened portions of the groove 44 so that they are held vertically. The rear rail member 56 may be introduced into the groove 44, for example through a window 64 or the rear end of the groove 44 (if open) before the device 12 is engaged on the slide, the screw 58 being screwed into the element 56 once the device in place. In the case where the rear end of the slide is open, it can also be provided that the clamping means comprising the screw 58 and the rear rail element is pre-mounted on the device and engaged by the open rear end of the groove 44, at the same time that the entire device is offset longitudinally forwards. This variant makes it possible not to have to slide the device 12 over its entire length in the slideway 40, which can be problematic when the ski has a slight curvature, which curvature can deform the slideway.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated on the Figures 11 to 20 . This second embodiment describes the application of the invention to an assembly comprising a cross-country ski whose upper face 32 is flat. As is apparent from the figures, the fastening device 12 is almost identical to that described with reference to the first embodiment, apart from the anchoring means of the device on the ski. Indeed, as is apparent for example from the figure 12 , anchoring of the device is provided by means of a slide 70 which can not be integrated in a disbursement of the ski, the latter not having any. As a result, the slideway 70 has a T-shaped profile. The profile of the slideway 70 appears more precisely on the figure 14 where it is seen that it has a lower part 72 whose lower face 74 rests on the upper face 32 of the ski 11. The upper part 76 of the slide 70 has a width greater than that of the lower part 72 of so as to protrude transversely outwards on either side of this lower part 72. Thus, on each side of the slideway 70 overhanging flanges 78 extend transversely outwards with respect to the lateral faces of the part 72 of the slider 70, above the upper face of the ski.

Preferably, the lower part 72 has a width which is of the order of half the width of the ski in the attachment zone of the device 12. In the case of a cross-country set, this lower part 72 may thus have a width of the order of 20 mm. The upper portion 76 has a width greater than that of the lower portion 72 of a few millimeters, for example 5 or 6 mm. In this way, the overhanging edges 78 measure only a few millimeters, for example 2 or 3 mm. The lower part 72 and the upper part 76 measure for example each between 2 and 5 mm.

As is apparent from Figures 12 to 14 , the slide 70 is intended to be screwed to the upper face 32 of the ski. Of course, other attachment means could be envisaged, in the same manner as described with reference to the first embodiment. In the example shown, the slide 70 is made by plastic molding. This plastic may optionally be reinforced by fibers, for example glass fibers. However, other modes of construction are possible. For example, the slideway 70 may be constructed using other types of materials, for example metal, composite materials, etc. Similarly, the slideway could be made in several parts, for example the upper part and the lower part made in the form of two separate pieces. Similarly, the T-profile of this slide could be replaced by a V-shaped profile (dovetail type), W, etc.

On the figure 12 it can be seen that the fixing device 12 has, on its underside, complementary rails 80 which, in this embodiment, extend substantially over the entire length of the fixing device 12. As can be seen in the FIG. Figures 15 and 16 these rails 80 have an L-shaped profile so that the underside of the device 12 has a complementary transverse profile of the transverse profile of the slideway 70. Thus, the rails 80 each have an inward transverse flange which is intended to to engage under the overhanging edges 78 of the slide 70. The transverse spacing between the two flanges vis-à-vis the rails 80 is substantially equivalent to the width of the lower portion 72 of the slide 70. Similarly these flanges are spaced from the underside of the device by a distance substantially equivalent to the thickness of the upper portion 76 of the slider 70. Of course, if the slider 70 had a different profile, the underside of the device 12 would be modified accordingly.

Thanks to these complementary arrangements of the fixing device 12 and the slideway 70, the device can be engaged by longitudinal sliding on the slideway 70 and, once fully engaged, find it locked in all directions except the longitudinal direction.

To the Figures 16 and 17 , there is illustrated a clamping means on the one hand to lock the fixing device longitudinally, and for forcing the device bearing against the upper face of the ski.

Unlike the first embodiment of the invention, the clamping means which ensures the longitudinal locking of the device does not cooperate with the guide / retaining means which are here formed by the respective transverse flanges 78, 80 of the slide and the device .

Indeed, the slideway 70 comprises, in its lower part, a housing 83 which extends longitudinally and in which is received a plate 82. The plate 82 further comprises a threaded cylindrical shaft 84 which extends vertically upwards and which slides in an oblong slot 86 arranged in the upper part of the slide so as to open into the upper face of the slide. The housing 83 and the light 86 are arranged on the longitudinal central axis of symmetry of the slider 70. The plate 82 is engaged in its housing 83 before mounting the slide on the ski. As seen with reference to the first embodiment, a clamping screw 58 is carried by the fixing device 12 so as to be screwed into the threaded cylindrical barrel 84. Before making the clamping, it is possible to adjust the longitudinal position of the fastening device 12, within the limit of the possibility of displacement of the wafer 82 in its housing 83. Once the right position is found, the screw 58 is screwed until the device is tightened. on the ski, which tightening, as in the previous embodiment, ensures the longitudinal locking of the device 12 on the slide 70 and the removal of any vertical play between the device 12 and the subset constituted by the ski and its slide.

The Figures 18 and 19 illustrate more precisely how, during the screwing of the clamping means constituted in this case by the screw 58 and the plate 82, it is ensured that the rails 80 come to bear on the upper face 32 of the ski (on both sides). other of the slider 70) before the lower face of the device bears against the upper face of the slider 70. The principle is the same as that described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.

To the figure 20 , there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment in which the flanges of the rails 80 of the fixing device 12, as well as the flanges 78 of the slideway 70 each comprise complementary notches 88, 90 which make it possible to engage the device vertically on the slider 70 without having to slide it over its entire length to bring it into position. In this case, the indentations 88 of the slideway 70 have a length at least equal to the non-indented front portion of the rails 80 of the device 12.

In the two embodiments which have just been described, the clamping means make it possible, on the one hand, to ensure the longitudinal locking of the fastening device 12 in the corresponding slideway 40, 70. This locking is effected by clamping, therefore by friction. In this case, the clamping takes place between smooth surfaces, so that over a certain adjustment range (which in the second embodiment is defined by the length of the housing 83 and / or that of the window 86) , the blocking can be performed in an infinite number of positions, continuously in this range, or in any position within a continuous adjustment range. The notches 88 then separate two active segments of the slideway.

Moreover, the clamping means make it possible to minimize the functional gaps between the fixing device and the ski. Indeed, the slide assemblies automatically induce games, not only in the vertical direction, but also in the transverse direction. Indeed, to be able to slide the fastener on the slide, it is necessary to provide games, which will be all the more important that it is also necessary to provide the manufacturing dispersions between the different parts. In the prior art, these games are not annihilated. With the time of use, and the unavoidable wear of the parts, these games can only amplify, and with them the parasitic movements of the fixing device with respect to the ski.

With a means of clamping, all these games can be caught and their disadvantages removed.

By further providing that the clamping priority brings the device 12 bearing directly on the machine slips rather than on the slide, it ensures on the one hand an optimal stability by a maximum transverse spacing of the supports and on the other hand a direct transmission support forces imposed by the user on the device to the ski, without the slide has any effect of filter or damper.

In both examples illustrated above, the slide is made longitudinally in one part, with a substantially constant section over its entire length. It is of course possible to choose to make it into several parts, these parts being either distinct or interconnected by connecting portions not forming a slide, as for the variant of FIG. figure 20 . At the limit, as will be seen with reference to the third embodiment of the invention described below, it can be provided that the segments are limited to point slide elements, longitudinally aligned and arranged in correspondence with elements of the invention. anchoring of the fixing device. Such embodiments have the advantage of a lower weight. They also prevent any longitudinal stiffening effect of the ski which could be due to the presence of the slide on the upper face of the ski. Conversely, the stiffness provided by the slide could be a desired characteristic for the optimal operation of the assembly 10. In this regard, the two previous examples of embodiment provide for an integral subjection of the slide on the ski. However, it could be provided, particularly in the case of fastening by screws, that the screw points allow, all but one, a free sliding of the slide relative to the ski. This type of assembly is well known in the interface systems for alpine skis and makes it possible to limit the effects of stiffening the ski through the interface.

Among the two examples previously illustrated, an embodiment with a slide completely integrated in the disbursement of a ski having a three-dimensional surface, and then an embodiment with a slide in relief on a ski with a flat surface, was first described. . However, it is also conceivable to implement a "raised" slide such as that of the second embodiment in combination with a ski having a disbursement as illustrated in the first embodiment. It then suffices to adapt the geometry of the lower face of the slideway 70 to the shape of the disbursement. Conversely, for a given slide shape, it could be provided that the upper face of the ski has a suitable shaped disbursement.

In both illustrated embodiments, the clamping means comprise a screw-nut system. However, these clamping means could be made in other forms, for example in the form of a quick cam clamping system of the type well known for the attachment of the wheels of a bicycle on the frame.

The third embodiment of the invention which is represented on the Figures 21 to 24 takes up the general principles of the first two embodiments, but in a simplified version, without possibility of adjustment in length and without the entire anchoring of the fastening device on the ski is provided only by the slide.

As in the other embodiments, the assembly comprises a slide 70 fixed to the ski, in this case by screws 98, although any other method of fixing the slide is possible. In the illustrated example, the slideway actually comprises three active parts 70a, 70b, 70c which are spaced in the longitudinal direction and which are connected by connecting portions 92. Each active part 70a, 70b, 70c of the slideway can be considered to be a slider segment. In this example, the ski is a flat ski, and the slide is a T-slide as for the second embodiment described above. However, all the variants envisaged above are applicable. Of course, the body of the fastening comprises complementary rail portions 80a, 80b, 80c of the active portions 70a, 70b, 70c, these rail portions being separated from each other by portions similar to the indented portions 90 of the embodiment of the Figure 20 . The complementary anchoring active parts of the slide 70 and the fixing device 12 each have a relatively small length, for example of the order of 1 to 2 centimeters, and they are preferably arranged respectively close to the front and rear ends respectively. of the fastening device, as well as near the center thereof. As in the embodiment of the figure 20 , they allow to engage the fastening device vertically straddling the slide, in a position shifted forward, then cause the interlocking of the rails 80a, 80b, 80c under the corresponding parts 70a, 70b, 70c of the slide by shifting the fastener backwards.

As in the other embodiments, this cooperation of the active anchoring parts of the device and the slide makes it possible to ensure the positioning of the fixing device 12 in the vertical and transverse directions, but not in the longitudinal direction. In the example shown, however, there are complementary abutment surfaces 94 on the fastener and 96 on the slider to longitudinally lock the fastener 12 with respect to the slider 70, but in one direction only, in one direction. occurrence backwards. The function of these stops 94, 96 is essentially to indicate to the person mounting the device that it has reached the correct mounting position.

According to the particular aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal locking and tightening of the device 12 on the upper face 32 of the ski 11 are made using two screws 100 which pass through the orifices 102 of the main body 26 of the device and which come to anchor in the ski, and not on an element linked to the slide. As is apparent from the figure 23 , the head of the clamping screws 100 bears on an upper face of the main body of the device 12, while the body of the clamping screws extends, through the orifices 102, towards the inside of the ski. Each of these clamping screws 100 thus provides the same anchoring function as the screws traditionally used for the direct mounting of the fastening devices on the ski. The screws 100 are screwed directly into the structure of the ski, namely through the upper layers of decoration and reinforcement, and possibly penetrate into the core of the ski. Alternatively, it could be provided that the screws are screwed into inserts integrated into the ski (preferably at the time of manufacture of the ski), such inserts being independent of the slide. In both cases, it will be considered that the clamping means or means cooperate directly with the ski, as opposed to the previous embodiments where the clamping means cooperates with the slide

In the illustrated embodiment, the direct clamping screws 100 are two in number and they are arranged symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the device 12. They are preferably arranged close to the device area. 12 who takes the most effort when using the set. To do this, they are arranged in close proximity to the zone of the locking mechanism 14 where the shoe is attached, and not far from the elastic return system comprising the link 22. The screws 100 can then be covered by a cover (no represent). During their screwing, the screws 100 thus ensure a perfect support of the fastening body 26 against the preferential bearing area of the upper face of the ski 32.

This mounting of the fixing device can be described as hybrid in that the anchoring is provided in part by the slide and partly by means of clamping independent of the slide, unlike previous embodiments where all means of anchoring, including the clamping means, cooperated with the slide to anchor the device and press against the ski.

With the hybrid assembly, the holding and tightening of the device against the ski are the strongest where the efforts are concentrated, with the assurance of great reliability over time, the anchoring of the other parts of the device being ensured by the active parts of slide. Thus, the hybrid assembly retains at least a portion of the advantages of mounting via a slide, which include accurate positioning and certainly the fastener. However, it could also provide a hybrid assembly of the type just described, with a direct tightening means on the ski such as the screws 100, supplemented by a clamping means taken from one of the first two embodiments above, where the clamping means cooperates with the slide.

In the exemplary embodiment of the hybrid assembly, only a relative position of the device with respect to the slide (and also with respect to the ski) is provided, in particular because the slide is divided into several small active parts. size in the longitudinal direction. By enlarging the length of these active parts, or by using a continuous slide as in the first two embodiments described above, it would be possible to choose the exact position of the device at the time of mounting of the fixing device, at least in a certain range. The final position would be determined after tightening the clamping screws 100.

Furthermore, in the context of a hybrid assembly, it can of course be provided that the clamping screws 100 are replaced by other clamping means. For example, it is possible to use quick-clamping systems, for example using so-called "quarter-turn" systems or cam systems. In the case mentioned above where the clamping means are anchored in the integrated inserts to the ski, it is possible that the inserts allow several setting positions of the clamping means, for example in the form of several distinct locations, or an elongated location allowing adjustment within a continuous range.

Claims (27)

1. Ski and binding device assembly, of the type comprising a ski (11) having an upper surface (32) adapted to receive a binding device (12) provided to retain a boot on the ski (11), of the type in which the binding device (12) comprises an anchoring device (40, 70, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 78, 80, 82, 100) that makes it possible to anchor the binding device (12) on the ski (11), the anchoring device comprising a sliding rail (40, 70), the anchoring device comprises at least one tightening means (58, 56, 82, 100),
   characterized in that the tightening means (58, 56, 82, 100) makes it possible to press the binding device (12) flat against the upper surface (32) of the ski (11).
2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is arranged transversely in the center of the ski (11).
3. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width of the sliding rail (40, 70) is less than the width of the ski (11).
4. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support zone is arranged transversely on both sides of the central sliding rail (40, 70).
5. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is arranged such that, at the end of the tightening, the binding device (12) is also in support on the sliding rail (40, 70).
6. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40) is arranged in a recess (34) of the upper surface (32) of the ski (11).
7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the anchoring sliding rail (40) is arranged in the recess (34) so as to be flush in the area of the upper surface (36, 32) of the ski (11).
8. Assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the anchoring sliding rail (70) is arranged so as to project on the upper surface (32) of the ski (11).
9. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binding device comprises guiding means (50, 52, 54, 80) which cooperate with the sliding rail (40, 70) to ensue the positioning of the binding device (12) on the upper surface (32) of the ski (11).
10. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tightening means (58, 56, 82, 100) of the binding device (12) makes it possible to block the binding device longitudinally with respect to the sliding rail (40, 70).
11. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one tightening means (58, 56, 82) of the binding device (12) makes it possible to block the binding device longitudinally in any position within a continuous adjustment range.
12. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is fixed against the outer layer of the upper surface (32) of the ski.
13. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is fixed against the outer layer of the upper surface (32) of the ski while the ski is being manufactured.
14. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is fixed on the ski after the ski (11) has been manufactured.
15. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is fixed on the ski (11) by gluing or welding.
16. Assembly according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is screwed onto the ski.
17. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is made in the form of a shaped element.
18. Assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) is made in the form of a shaped element divided into at least two sections.
19. Assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the sections of the shaped element are coupled to one another.
20. Assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the sections of the shaped element are uncoupled.
21. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding rail (40, 70) comprises a lower surface, the shape of which is complementary to the shape of the upper surface (32, 34) of the ski.
22. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tightening means comprise at least one screw nut (56, 82) which cooperates with the sliding rail (40, 70) so as to be moveable only along the longitudinal direction, and in that the binding device is connected to the screw nut (56, 82) by a tightening screw (58).
23. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one tightening means which cooperates directly with the ski.
24. Assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one tightening means comprises at least one screw (100) that is screwed into the ski.
25. Assembly according to one of claims 23 or 24, characterized in that the at least one tightening means cooperates with an insert incorporated into the ski.
26. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tightening means is arranged in the vicinity of a zone for locking the boot on the binding device.
27. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tightening means comprises a cam device.

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