EP1900399A1 - Article comprising a link including a magnet for holding or tightening a foot or a shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The article (1) has links each comprising a portion (52), a portion (53) and a portion connection unit (54). A locking mechanism (80) is integrated to the portion (53), at a level of a free end (66) of the portion (53). The mechanism has a material to attract magnets. A magnet (110) is integrated to the portion (52) of the one of the links. The magnet attracts a free end (56) of the portion (52) towards the mechanism, so that the free end (56) is stressed towards and against the mechanism for maintaining the portion (52) in an introduction position, at a level of the end (56).

Description

The invention relates to the field of sports articles comprising a retaining or tightening link of a foot or a shoe. The invention relates more particularly to a device for retaining a foot or a shoe on a sports machine, or a shoe as such.

Such articles are used for the practice of various sports, such as sliding, rolling, or walking sports. It can be snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or water, snowshoeing, rollerblading, walking, or whatever.

In the case of a device for retaining a boot on a snowboard, a link generally comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a clamping mechanism secured to the second portion. The clamping mechanism may comprise a pawl. The length of the link is adjusted by moving the first portion relative to the second by means of the clamping mechanism. To do this, a mechanism lever shortens the link, the ratchet preventing elongation when the lever does not act. If necessary the lengthening of the link, or its opening by separating the first portion and the second, is obtained by acting on the pawl with a release button. This operation is an act desired by a user of the device, that is to say by a person who practices snowboarding and who wants to either reduce the tension of the link, or release a shoe from the retainer.

Of course the user can, conversely, seek to close the link. In this case, it must introduce a free end of the first portion of the link in the clamping mechanism. Simply take each portion with one hand, then perform an approach maneuver. After the introduction of the free end, in the clamping mechanism, an action on the lever causes a shortening of the link.

It has been found that placing the free end in the clamping mechanism is not always easy. Indeed, it is necessary to adjust the trajectory of the free end, knowing that it is viewed from the side or from above by the user. Moreover, the latter often uses gloves, which alter the dexterity. Yet the link often has plastic portions fairly resistant to torsion, which hinders the introduction into the mechanism. Positioning errors are therefore quite frequent. In other words, the establishment of the free end is random. In addition the user must perform hand movements to bring the first portion and the clamping mechanism towards each other. These movements are sometimes delicate, because of the lack of visibility of the free end when it is approaching the clamping mechanism. The respective shapes of the pieces reduce visibility. The engagement of the free end in the clamping mechanism, or its introduction, is therefore in practice a complex and long operation.

This is why the invention is particularly intended to facilitate the establishment of the free end of the first portion in the clamping mechanism of a link.

The invention also aims to ensure the establishment of the free end, guide the free end to the clamping mechanism, simplify the establishment, and make the latter faster.

To do this, the invention provides an article comprising a retaining or clamping link of a foot or boot, the link comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a clamping mechanism secured to the second portion.

The article according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a means for attracting the first portion towards the clamping mechanism.

The attraction means attracts the free end of the first portion of the link to the clamping mechanism. Thus the free end is biased towards and / or against the clamping mechanism. This keeps the first portion in the introductory position. In other words the establishment of the free end is facilitated, since it is no longer necessary to fumble to correctly position the free end. The means of attraction improves or guarantees the establishment of the free end of the first portion. The attraction means guides or attracts the free end towards the clamping mechanism, despite a possible lack of visibility for the user. In practice, the commitment of the free end, for the article according to the invention, is simpler and faster than for an article according to the prior art.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'un dispositif de retenue d'un pied ou d'une chaussure sur une planche de snowboard, dans un cas où des liens du dispositif sont fermés, selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue agrandie et partielle de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue partielle de dessus d'une extrémité libre d'une portion de lien, pour le dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une coupe similaire à la figure 2, dans un cas où l'extrémité libre d'une portion de lien est attirée vers un mécanisme de serrage,
• la figure 7 est une coupe similaire à la figure 6, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective avant d'une chaussure, selon une troisième forme de réalisation de l'invention.

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, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention may be implemented, and in which :

• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a device for retaining a foot or a boot on a snowboard, in a case where links of the device are closed, according to a first embodiment of the invention. invention,
• FIG. 2 is a section along II-II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged and partial view of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 is a section on IV-IV of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a partial view from above of a free end of a link portion, for the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 6 is a section similar to FIG. 2, in a case where the free end of a link portion is drawn towards a clamping mechanism,
• FIG. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 6, according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a shoe, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Although described embodiments relate to a device for retaining a foot or shoe on a sports machine, it should be understood that they also apply to other articles as mentioned before.

The first embodiment is presented using FIGS. 1 to 6.

As seen in Figure 1, a sporting article 1 or retainer allows the temporary retention on a machine 2 of a shoe not shown. The machine 2 is for example a board for the practice of snowboarding.

Of course, although the device 1 relates rather to the field of snowboarding, it should be understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

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

The base 3 has an upper face 6 provided to be opposite the sole of the shoe, and a lower face 7 provided to be above the board 2.

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

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

The base 3 is bordered laterally by a lateral flange 12 and a medial flange 13. Each of the flanges 12, 13 is a part which respectively forms a lateral or medial part of the device 1 to delimit a reception zone 14 of the shoe . When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 12, 13 run along the sole laterally. Of course, it could be provided other than the flanges 12, 13 to form the lateral and medial parts. For example, simple lateral and medial abutments may be suitable.

Preferably, the base 3 and the flanges 12, 13 form a one-piece piece made for example of synthetic material. However, it could be expected that the flanges 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 20, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

According to the first described embodiment of the invention, the rear support element 20 is associated with the flanges 12, 13, for example by means of a hinge 28. The latter is oriented substantially along a transverse axis 29 of the device 1. The hinge 28 may comprise any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a pin, or other.

The joint 28 allows a movement of bringing the rear support member 20 towards the base 3. A benefit that arises is to facilitate storage.

The retaining device 1 also comprises a stop 35 which limits the rearward rotation of the eponymous support element 20.

It is also provided two links for detachably holding the boot on the base 4, between the flanges 12, 13, in the reception area 14.

A first link 50 is located forward, at the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is retained. A second link 51 is located aft, at the instep when the foot is held.

Each of the links 50, 51 extends transversely between the flanges 12, 13.

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

For the sake of convenience only one of the links 50, 51 is described below, for example the second. However it must be understood that what applies to the second 51 may be valid for the first 50.

As can be understood in particular by means of FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the link 51 comprises a first portion 52, a second portion 53, and a first connection means 54 of the portions.

The first portion 52 extends longitudinally between an attachment end 55 and a free end 56. The attachment end 55 is secured to the lateral flange 12, for example by means of a hinge 57 of axis 58. The hinge 57 may comprise any element such as a screw, a nut, a rivet, or the like.

The second portion 53 in turn extends longitudinally between an attachment end 65 and a free end 66. The attachment end 65 is secured to the medial flange 13 for example by means of a hinge 67 of axis 68. Again the joint 67 may include any element such as a screw, a nut, a rivet, or other.

According to the first embodiment described, the second portion 53 is adjustable in length. For this purpose, the second portion 53 comprises, for example, an attachment section 69, on the end of the attachment end 65, as well as a cover section 70, on the free end 66 side. to one another the sections 69, 70 in an adjustable manner. This means comprises for example a screw-nut 71, but of course other connecting structures could be suitable.

The axes 58, 68 of the two joints 57, 67 are oriented substantially transversely relative to the device 1, which allows the link 51 to cover the shoe uniformly.

The first connecting means 54 is provided for removably connecting the second portion 53 to the first portion 52, the free end 56 of the first portion 52 being above the second portion 53. This means 54 comprises for example a ratchet clamping mechanism 80 secured to the second portion 53, at the free end 66 thereof. The connecting means 54 also comprises a series of teeth 81 shaped on the first portion 52. The teeth 81 are distributed from the free end 56 to near the joint 57.

The first portion 52 is made for example in the form of a rack, made from a plastic material. The teeth 81 and the core 82 of the first portion 52 preferably form a single piece.

The clamping mechanism 80 is seen from the side, for example in FIG. 2. It comprises a U-shaped base 83 designed to guide the first portion 52. The base 83 comprises a first flange 84 and a second flange 85 connected by a bridge 86.

The base 83 is secured to the second portion 53 for example by means of a rivet axis 87.

The clamping mechanism 80 comprises a pawl 90 hinged along an axis 91 between the flanges 84, 85. An elastic means (not shown), such as a spring, constantly requests the pawl 90 so that a retaining zone 92 of the pawl is pushed towards the bridge 86. The retaining zone 92 is represented in the form of a tooth.

A drive lever 93 comprises on the one hand a handling end 94, and on the other hand a drive end 95 provided with at least one tooth 96.

A release button 100 has a cam surface 101 provided to press a cam surface 102 of the pawl 90, and a handling end 103 provided to be operated by hand.

The drive lever 93 and the release button 100 are articulated on the same axis 104, between the flanges 84, 85. An elastic means, not shown, such as a spring, constantly urges the lever 93 so that the handling end 94 is pushed to the bridge 86.

Thus, in the absence of any external stress, the component parts of the clamping mechanism 80 each occupy the portion shown in FIG.

When the first portion 52 is present along the bridge 86 between the flanges 84, 85, that is to say in the base 83, the ratchet 90 opposes an extension of the link 51. This means that the end 56 of the first portion 52 can move in a direction that goes from an inner edge 105 to an outer edge 106 of the base 83.

On the other hand, a movement in the opposite direction is possible. To do this a user can actuate the drive lever 93, using the end 94, so that the teeth 96 drive the portion 52. In this case the end 56 of the portion 52 moves in a direction that goes from the outer edge 106 to the inner edge 105. This means that the link 51 becomes shorter. The tightening of the shoe becomes stronger.

Conversely the user can loosen the link, or even release the shoe by opening the link. For this it is sufficient for it to act, for example with a finger, on the handling end 103 of the release button 100. The drive lever 93 is then not loaded, its handling end 94 occupying the position closer to bridge 86.

The cam surface 101 of the button 100 presses on the cam surface 102 of the pawl 90, so that the retaining zone 92 of the pawl 90 moves away from the bridge 86 and the first portion 52. The link 51 can lengthen because the pawl 90 no longer holds the first portion 52.

Of course, as soon as the action on the button 100 ceases, the pawl 90 resumes a holding position.

One advantage, induced by the structure of the clamping mechanism 80, is that the manual action on the release button 100 tends to lengthen and open the link 51.

Of course, after the opening of the link 51, the free end 56 of the first portion 52 is away from the ratchet clamping mechanism 80, the first portion 52 no longer passing through the mechanism 80.

To close the link 51, the user will seek to introduce the free end 56 in the ratchet mechanism.

In order to facilitate this operation, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a means for attracting the first portion 52 to the clamping mechanism 80.

The attraction means attracts the free end 56 of the first portion 52 to the mechanism 80. Thus, the free end 56 is biased towards and against the mechanism. This keeps the first portion 52 in the introduction position. This is why the establishment of the free end 56 is facilitated. It is then sufficient for the user to act on the drive lever 93 to close and tighten the link 51.

According to the first embodiment described, as understood with all of Figures 1 to 6, the means of attraction of the first portion 52 to the mechanism 80 comprises a first magnet 110. The latter 110 is for example secured to the first portion 52 of the link 51, at the free end 56.

The magnet 110 has the appearance of a flat, circular washer. The diameter of the magnet 110 is slightly smaller than the width w of the first portion 52. The thickness of the magnet 110 is slightly less than the thickness t of the first portion 52. The dimensions of the magnet 110 its integration in the first portion 52. In fact the magnet is disposed parallel to the first portion 52, inside thereof. Thus, as will be seen later, the passage of the portion 52 in the mechanism 80 is easily done.

Of course, other forms of magnets could be suitable, including parallelepiped shapes.

According to the first embodiment described, the attachment of the magnet 110 to the portion 52 is made by housing the magnet in the portion. This method of joining is related to the nature of the portion 52, which comprises a moldable synthetic material. Thus the magnet 110 is placed in a mold, then the constituent material of the portion 52 is molded around. Finally, the magnet 110 is overmolded in a cavity 111 of the first portion 52. The cavity 111 has a first opening 112 on the side of the teeth 81, and an opening 113 on the opposite side to the teeth 81. The openings 112, 113 are for example of circular section, with a smaller diameter than that of the magnet 110. To maintain the magnet between the openings 112, 113, the cavity 111 has an enlargement 114 whose shape is for example circular, and whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the magnet. It follows that the magnet is retained in the cavity 111, but that it is visible through the openings 112, 113.

Of course, it could be provided other means for retaining the magnet on the first portion 52. Notably, the magnet could be embedded in the portion 52. In this case no opening can see it.

An advantage provided by the openings 112, 113 is to allow better magnetic conductivity. Thus, as will be seen later, the attraction between the magnet and the clamping mechanism 80 is stronger. This facilitates the approach of the free end 56 of the first portion 52 to the clamping mechanism 80.

The means of attraction of the first portion 52 to the mechanism 80 also comprises a material capable of attracting a magnet.

In fact to attract the magnet 110, and therefore the first portion 52, at least one of the components of the clamping mechanism 80 comprises a material capable of attracting the magnet. In particular, the mechanism 80 comprises at least one metal element based on iron.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the base 83 of the clamping mechanism 80 is made of steel. By corollary, since the base 83 is a single piece, the flanges 84, 85 and the bridge 86 are made of steel. This material attracts the magnet 110.

There is therefore a natural attraction between the free end 56 and the mechanism 80.

This attraction guides the end 80, that is to say towards the base 83, at the flanges 84, 85 and the bridge 86, but also at the drive end 95. This situation is visible in this configuration the first 52 and second 53 portions of the link 51 are in magnetic contact with each other, via the magnet 110 and the base 83. At this stage the link is not closed.

However, to obtain the closure of the link 51, it is sufficient to operate the lever 93 as it has been explained. Link 51 is in a closed situation, as seen in Figures 1 and 2.

The free end 56 has passed through the mechanism 80 in a direction that goes from the outer edge 106 to the inner edge 105 of the base 83. The magnet 110 does not disturb the action of the clamping mechanism 80.

Of course, it may alternatively or additionally be provided that other elements of the clamping mechanism 80 are made of steel. For example the drive lever 93, or the ratchet 90. The advantage of choosing the base 83 to make an attraction is to provide a maximum surface for a minimum weight.

The other embodiments are described below with the help of Figures 7 and 8. For convenience, only the elements necessary for understanding are highlighted.

For the second embodiment, according to FIG. 7, there is a device 131 whose link 132 comprises a first portion 133, a second portion 134, and a clamping mechanism 135.

The attraction means comprises a first magnet 140 disposed at the free end 141 of the first portion 133.

According to the second embodiment, the attraction means comprises a second magnet 142 disposed at the free end 134. More precisely the second magnet 142 is secured to the second portion at the inlet 144 of the clamping mechanism 135 Of course, the magnets 140,142 attract each other to bring the first portion 133 to the clamping mechanism 135.

Of course the first magnet 140 could be replaced by a material that attracts the second magnet 142. For example the first magnet 140 could be replaced by a steel plate. That is to say that the material that attracts the magnet 142 is secured to the first portion 133.

For the third embodiment, according to Figure 8, the sport article is a shoe 160, which is provided with a link 161 provided to tighten the rod 162 at the instep.

The link 161 comprises a first portion 163, a second portion 164, a clamping mechanism 165, and a means for attracting the first portion 163 to the clamping mechanism 165. This attraction means comprises for example a magnet 165 disposed towards a free end 167 of the first portion 163.

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

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular the invention also applies to the first link 50, or link before.

On the other hand, it can be provided several magnets on the same portion of link.

Any link portion can be adjustable in length, or not.

In all cases a magnet can be secured to one of the portions of a link, while the material capable of attracting the magnet is secured to the other portions of the link.

Any portion of the link may comprise a relatively rigid and inextensible material, such as a plastics material. Alternatively, or additionally, any portion of the link may comprise a flexible and inextensible material, such as a strap including itself woven son.

Of course, a link portion may comprise, connected to each other, a rigid sub-portion and a flexible sub-portion. The flexibility makes it possible to twist the portion, and to orient its free end in a chosen direction.

A link may comprise a portion whose free end is flexible and inextensible, the clamping mechanism itself acting by clamping with a cam surface.

Claims (10)

An article (1, 131, 160) comprising a tie (50, 51, 132, 161) for holding or tightening a foot or shoe, the link (50, 51, 132, 161) comprising a first portion (52, 133 163), a second portion (53, 134, 164), and a clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) secured to the second portion (53, 134, 164),
characterized in that it comprises means for attracting the first portion (52,133,163) to the clamping mechanism (80,135,165). Article (1, 131, 160) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means for attracting the first portion (52, 133, 163) to the clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) comprises a magnet ( 110, 140, 142, 166) secured to one of the portions (52, 53, 133, 134, 163, 164), and in that the attraction means comprises a material capable of attracting the magnet secured to the other part of the link. Article (1, 131, 160) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the magnet (110, 140, 166) is secured to the first portion (52, 133, 163) of the link (50, 51, 132, 161), and in that one of the constituent elements of the clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) comprises a material capable of attracting the magnet. Article (1, 131, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) comprises a U-shaped base (83) for guiding the first portion (52133163). Article (1, 131, 160) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) comprises a base (83) of steel. Article (1,131,160) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the magnet (110, 140, 166) is housed in a cavity (111) of the first portion (52, 133, 163) of the link (50 , 51, 132, 161). Article (131) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means for attracting the first portion (52, 133, 163) to the clamping mechanism (80, 135, 165) comprises a first magnet (110, 140, 166) secured to the first portion (52, 133, 163), and a second magnet (142) secured to the second portion (53, 134, 164). Article (1,131) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attraction means comprises a magnet (142) secured to the second portion (53, 134, 164) and a material which attracts the magnet (142) secured to the first portion (133). Article (1, 131) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is a device for retaining a foot or a shoe. Article (160) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is a shoe.

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