EP1923105B1 - Device for accommodating a foot or a shoe on a sporting implement - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a shoe on a sports machine such as, in particular, a gliding or rolling machine.

Such devices are used for snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or water, snowshoeing, rollerblading, or other.

Some devices according to the prior art include a seat, designed to accommodate the sole of the foot or the sole of the shoe, and a rear support member, adapted to support the lower leg of a user. The rear support element has a bearing face opposite to a free face. The bearing face, facing the seat, is intended to receive the lower leg.

The rear support element transmits stresses related to the driving of the machine, the side of the heels of the user.

This case is common in snowboarding. In this discipline the user has both feet retained on the same board, and oriented in a substantially transverse direction of the board. The transversal stresses are thus localized towards the tip of the feet, or towards the heels. In the case of solicitations to the tip of the feet, the rear support element does not support or few constraints. By cons, during solicitations to the heels, the back support element supports constraints that can be very high.

For example when a rear edge, that is to say towards the heels, the rear support element transmits back pulses sent by the lower leg. In other cases the rear support element sends back to the user pulses from the ground.

In order to guarantee a faithful transmission of the impulses related to the driving of the board, it is known to give the rear support element a certain rigidity. In particular, the element must withstand a back bending stress along a transverse axis. Of course this stress is that which tends to bend the rear support element in a sense of distance from the seat.

To give good stability to the rear support element, it is known to secure to the latter a stop, which usually bears on the seat or on an element associated with the seat. The position of the stop may be adjusted along the rear support member by a mechanism which includes a screw. Of course the change of position of the stop is made by loosening and tightening the screw. This adjusts the inclination of the rear support element.

To allow manual action on the screw, that is to say without the aid of a tool, it is known to associate a handle to the body of screws. Generally the handle is hinged relative to the body, which allows to fold it to the stop, or on the contrary to deploy to operate the screw.

It is known to arrange the handle so that once folded, it rests on the head of the screw. In other words, the handle in the folded position is disposed substantially centrally with respect to the axis of the screw body. This has the advantage of being able to fold down the handle easily regardless of the angular position of the screw, that is to say whatever the tightening level of the screw.

By corollary the articulation of the handle is offset with respect to the axis of the screw body. It follows that the manipulation of the screw, that is to say, its rotation for tightening or loosening, is not very easy. Rotational movement of the wrist is not sufficient to act on the screw. In addition, it is necessary to act by flexing the fingers, which is all the less simple since the wearer usually wears gloves.

On the other hand the controller takes random positions relative to the screw body, especially under the influence of gravity. In other words the handle tends to fall along the stop if it is delivered to itself after being deployed. This also hinders the handling of the screw. Indeed since to make several turns to the screw the joystick is alternately released and resumed, the obligation to deploy it several times is a constraint.

By the document US 6,390,492 it is known to use an articulated joystick along an axis perpendicular to the axis of a trunnion. The latter guides a stop in a direction of approximation or removal relative to a rear support element. A cam carried by the lever urges the stop along the guide, for a reversible clamping. It nevertheless appears on this device that the manipulation of the controller is not very easy. Indeed, the effort to exert on the controller is important.

In relation to this, the object of the invention is in particular to use a screw and to facilitate handling of the screw. The invention also aims to improve the clamping efficiency of a screw actuated by hand. The invention also seeks to improve the manual implementation of a stop on a docking device.

To do this, the invention proposes a device for receiving a foot or a boot on a sports machine, the device comprising a screw, the screw comprising a body that extends from a threaded end to a end of operation, the screw comprising a lever articulated relative to the body according to a hinge located on the side of the actuating end, the lever having a cam surface at the joint, the axis of articulation of the lever pass substantially at the axis of the screw.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the screw comprises a shoulder located between the threaded and actuating ends, and by the fact that an elastic means is disposed between the shoulder and the handle to bias the handle into a stable position folded down or deployed.

Because it passes to the axis of the screw, the axis of articulation of the controller allows the latter to be deployed substantially in a plane that contains the body of the screw. This is why after its deployment the handle extends substantially the body of the screw. It follows that the manipulation of the latter is facilitated. In particular, a rotation of the wrist is sufficient to act on the screw.

The elastic means stably maintains the handle relative to the screw body, whether for a folded or unfolded position. This maintenance allows a quick and easy grip, especially in the deployed situation. Indeed, in the latter case the manual access to the controller is immediate. No repositioning manipulation is necessary between each movement of rotation of the hand, to screw or unscrew. The manipulation is facilitated.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective arrière d'un dispositif d'accueil selon la forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une vis du dispositif d'accueil de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté de la vis de la figure 2, dans un cas où les constituants sont assemblés,
• la figure 4 est une coupe partielle du dispositif selon IV-IV de la figure 1, dans un cas où une poignée de la vis est rabattue,
• la figure 5 est similaire à la figure 4, dans un cas où la poignée est dans une position intermédiaire,
• la figure 6 est similaire à la figure 4, dans un cas où la poignée est déployée.

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 :

• the figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a docking device according to the embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a screw of the reception device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a side view of the screw of the figure 2 in a case where the constituents are assembled,
• the figure 4 is a partial section of the device according to IV-IV of the figure 1 in a case where a handle of the screw is folded down,
• the figure 5 is similar to the figure 4 in a case where the handle is in an intermediate position,
• the figure 6 is similar to the figure 4 in a case where the handle is deployed.

Although the form described below relates more to the field of snowboarding, it should be understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

The form of execution is presented using the Figures 1 to 6 .

As we see on the figure 1 in perspective, a reception device 1 allows temporary reception 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.

The seat 3 preferably comprises a base 10 associated with a rear cushion 11 and a front cushion 12. The base 10 is a rigid piece which delimits at least part of the lower face 9. The cushions themselves delimit at least in part the upper face 8. According to the embodiment described, the cushions 11, 12 are respectively disposed at the rear and front of the seat 3. This allows a cushioned contact with the heel or the tip of the sole of the shoe.

Of course, other structures for the seat 3 may be provided, such as a base associated with a single cushion, which extends from the rear end 4 to the front end 5 of the seat 3.

The seat 3 is retained in the board 2 by a means made in the form of a disc 13, itself retained in the board 2 by screws 14.

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

The seat 3 is bordered laterally by a first portion shown in the form of a first flange 20, as well as by a second portion shown in the form of 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. The flanges 20, 21 are connected to each other by a bow 22, at the rear end 4. Thus the flanges 20, 21 and the arch 22 define a reception zone 23 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. For example, stops might be suitable.

Preferably, the base 10, the flanges 20, 21 and the arch 22 form a one-piece piece made for example of synthetic material. However, it could be provided that the flanges 20, 21 are parts secured to the base by any means such as gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, or other.

There are also two links for removably holding the boot on the seat 3, between the flanges 20, 21, in the reception zone 23.

A first link 24 is located forward, at the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is maintained. A second link 25 is located aft, at the instep when the foot is held.

Each of the links 24, 25 extends transversely between the flanges 20, 21.

Of course it could be expected a number of different links.

The first link 24 comprises, for example, a lateral portion 26 and a medial portion 27, which are respectively attached to the lateral and medial lateral flanges 21. A connecting device 28 makes it possible to connect to one another, in a reversible manner, the lateral portions 26 and medial 27. The binding device 28 allows to tighten the shoe at a desired intensity.

In the same spirit the second link 25 comprises for example a lateral portion 29 and a medial portion 30, which are respectively attached to the lateral flanges 20 and medial 21. Again a connecting device 31 can be connected to one another reversibly, the lateral portions 29 and medial 30. The connecting device 31 allows to tighten the shoe at a desired intensity.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 40, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

The rear support member 40 comprises a body 41 which extends longitudinally between first 42 and second 43 attachment ends and a free end 44, transversely between a first edge or side edge 45 and a second edge or medial edge 46, and in thickness between a bearing face 47 and a free face 48.

Of course the bearing face 47 is provided to receive the rear of the lower leg of the user, the rear support member 40 and the base 10 being associated accordingly.

According to the embodiment described, the rear support element 40 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 articulation 49, located at the first attachment end 42, and by means of a second hinge 50, located at the second attachment end 43. Each hinge 49, 50 is respectively oriented substantially along a first 51 and a second 52 transverse axis of the device 1. Each hinge 49, 50 may comprise any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a trunnion, Or other.

Each hinge 49, 50 allows a rotational movement of the rear support member 40 to the seat 3. A benefit that arises is to facilitate storage.

A stop 60 limits the rearward rotation of the eponymous bearing element 40, by bearing on the arch 22. This support can be direct, or can be done via a cushion 53.

The stop 60 is immobilized, relative to the rear support element 40, in a selected position along a main direction M of the rear support element 40. The main direction M extends between the ends 42, 43 and the free end 44 of the rear support member 40.

The figure 4 shows better how the stop 60 is immobilized.

A rack 61 protrudes with respect to the free face 48 of the rear support element 40. A rack 62 is formed on an anterior face 63 of the stop 60. A removable clamping means, comprising a screw 70, makes it possible to tighten the stop 60 on the rear support member 40 so that the racks 61, 62 are engaged. Depending on the relative position of the racks 61, 62 after tightening, the position of the stop 60 in the main direction M of the rear support member 40 is not the same.

It is thus possible to adjust the inclination towards the rear of the rear support element 40.

As is understood in particular by the help of Figures 2 and 3 , the screw 70 comprises a body 71 which extends from a threaded end 72 to an operating end 73. The screw 70 comprises a handle 74 articulated relative to the body 71, according to a hinge 75 located on the end side Maneuvering 73.

According to the embodiment described, the hinge 75 comprises a trunnion 76 of axis 77. The trunnion 76 is for example provided at one end with a head 78, the other end being intended to be flattened to hold the handle 74 on the body 71.

As will be seen better later interest the axis 77 of the pin 76, or the hinge 75, is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis 79 of the body 71 of the screw 70. More specifically, the axis 77 of the hinge 75 crosses the axis 79 of the screw body.

Of course, as we also see on Figures 4 to 6 , the pin 76 passes through both the handle 74 and the body 71. This allows a rotation of one 74 relative to the other 71, along the axis 77 of the pin 76 or the hinge 75.

The handle 74 has a cam surface 85 at the hinge 75. The surface 85 is provided to cooperate with a surface 86 associated with the body 71, so as to ensure at least one stable position of the handle 74 relative to the body. . This faculty will be described more precisely after.

According to the invention, as understood by all the figures, the screw 70 comprises a shoulder 90 located between the threaded ends 72 and actuating 73, the hinge axis 77 of the joystick 74 passing substantially at the axis 79 of the screw 70, a resilient means 91 being disposed between the shoulder 90 and the handle 74 to permanently urge the cam surface 85 of the handle.

The shoulder 90 provides the surface 86 intended to cooperate with the cam surface 85. Since the elastic means 91 is disposed between the shoulder 90 and the handle 74, the cooperation between the surface 86 of the shoulder 90 and the cam surface 85 of the joystick is indirect.

Thanks to the shoulder 90, the elastic means 91 is supported on the body 71 to bias the handle 74. In practice, the elastic means 91 permanently rubs on the cam surface 85. The latter will be described more precisely after. It follows that the controller tends to maintain a stable position, when not requested by the user. Consequently, the manipulations of the removable clamping means, and therefore of the receiving device, are simpler.

According to the embodiment described, the shoulder 90 is straight. Thus the surface 86 facing the lever 74 is substantially perpendicular to the axis 79 of the body 71 of the screw 70.

The elastic means 91, meanwhile, comprises a cup 92. This 92 has a generally circular shape, with a concave face 93 opposite to a convex face 94. As will be seen better later, the curved and hollow shape of the cup 92 gives it an elasticity. The cup 92 is made for example with a plastic material such as polyethylene, polyurethane, or any equivalent material. The cup 92 could also be made with a metal or a metal alloy, or include several materials such as plastic and metal.

According to the embodiment described the concave face 93, that is to say hollow, is turned towards the handle 74. By corollary the convex face 94, which is curved, is turned towards the shoulder. Thus it is the hollow part of the cup 92 which acts on the handle, and the domed part which acts on the shoulder. However, the opposite would have been possible.

In fact according to the described form of the invention, the handle 74 has a first 95 and a second 96 branches at the joint 75. It is these branches 95, 96 which carry the cam surface 85, which is divided into two. Each surface portion 85 bears permanently on the periphery of the concave face 93 of the cup 92.

In contrast, only the central portion of the convex face 94 of the cup 92 bears on the shoulder 90.

As a result, the cup 92 acts as a spring, and permanently urges the shoulder 90 and the handle 74 via the surface 85.

We can now better describe the operation of the screw 70, relying in particular on the Figures 4 to 6 .

Note that the cam surface 85 of the handle 74 has an end portion 100, which is substantially straight or slightly convex. The end portion 100 is oriented according to the thickness "t" of the handle 74, parallel to the axis 77 of the hinge 75. The cam surface 85 also has a first 101 and a second 102 lateral portions. curved, connected to the end portion 100 by first 103 and second 104 connections. The lateral portions 101, 102 are each formed respectively on a first 105 or second face 106 of the handle 74, the faces 105, 106 being opposite to each other. Of course, the thickness "t" of the handle 74 extends between the faces 105, 106. Accordingly, the cam surface 85 extends from the first face 105 to the second 106, successively displaying the first portion lateral 101, the first connector 103, the end portion 100, the second connector 104, and the second lateral portion 102.

It follows that when it is in the folded position, according to figure 4 , the handle 74 is substantially perpendicular to the axis 79 of the body 71. In other words the handle 74 is parallel to the stop 60, or to the rear support member 40. Then the first lateral portion 101, or the second lateral portion 102 bears on the cup 92.

On the contrary, when in the deployed position, figure 6 , the handle 74 is substantially parallel to the axis 79 of the body 71. In this case it is perpendicular to the stop 60, or to the rear support member 40. Then the end portion 100 is supported on the cup 92.

In an intermediate position, according to the figure 5 , the handle forms an angle between 0 and 90 ° with the axis 79 of the body 71. In this case it is the first 103 or the second 104 connection which bears on the cup 92.

Note that the cup 92, or the elastic means 91, is always solicited by the cam surface of the joystick. However the bias varies according to the angular position of the joystick 74 relative to the body 71. The bias is reduced when the handle 74 is in the folded position according to the figure 4 or deployed according to the figure 6 . The solicitation is stronger when the handle is in an intermediate position according to the figure 5 . Thus the controller is naturally biased towards one of the desired positions, folded or deployed. The user has a better perception of the positions.

Handling of the joystick is easy. In particular, because the lever 74 deployed is in a plane that contains the body 71, the screw 70 is easily turned by hand. As a result the stop 60 adjusts quickly, without tools.

In general, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the material constituting the cup 92 may comprise a synthetic material, such as polyethylene, polyamide, or any equivalent. The cup 92 could also include a metal.

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

For example, the elastic means 91 could comprise a helical spring.

Claims (8)

1. Device (1) for receiving a foot or footwear on a sports apparatus (2), the device (1) comprising a screw (70), the screw (70) comprising a body (71) extending from a threaded end (72) up to a maneuvering end (73), the screw (70) comprising an operating handle (74) articulated relative to the body (71) along a hinge (75) located on the side of the maneuvering end (73), the hinge axis (77) of the handle (74) passing in the area of the axis (79) of the screw (70), the handle (74) having a cam surface (85) in the area of the hinge (75), characterized in that the screw (70) comprises a shoulder (90) located between the threaded (72) and maneuvering (73) ends, and in that an elastic mechanism (91) is arranged between the shoulder (90) and the handle (74) to bias the handle (74) into a stable, folded or deployed position.
2. Receiving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic mechanism (91) comprises a cupel (92), with a concave surface (93) opposite a convex surface (94).
3. Receiving device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the concave surface (93) is turned toward the handle (74), the convex surface (94) being turned toward the shoulder.
4. Receiving device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cupel (92) is made of a plastic material.
5. Receiving device (1) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the handle (74) has a first (95) and a second (96) arm in the area of the hinge (75), the arms (95, 96) carrying the cam surface (85).
6. Receiving device (1) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the cam surface (85) of the handle (74) has an end portion (100), which is straight or slightly convex, as well as a first (101) and second (102) lateral portions connected to the end portion (100) by first (103) and second (104) connectors, the lateral portions (101, 102) being each arranged on a first (105) and a second (106) surface, respectively, of the handle (74), the surfaces (105, 106) being opposite one another.
7. Receiving device (1) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that it comprises a rear support element (40) and a stop (60), the screw (70) enabling the stop (60) to be tightened on the rear support element (40).
8. Receiving device (1) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that it comprises a base plate (3).

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