EP1935461B1 - Article comprising a button mobile between at least two positions - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of sports articles comprising a movable button between at least two positions.

The invention relates more particularly to a device for retaining a shoe on a sports machine, or a device for wedging the shoe, provided with a button.

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

In the case of a device for retaining a boot on a gliding board, such as a cross-country ski, a button movable between at least two positions releases the boot. This means that an action on the button causes the shoe to separate from the device.

It is known to act on the button by pushing, in particular against the action of an elastic means. The push can be done by hand, or with a stick. In this case, a user approaches one end of the stick towards the retainer, seeks contact with the button, and then presses to release the shoe. This technique makes it possible to maintain an orthostatic position, which is more comfortable than a flexed position of the body. Thus the stick extends the arm to take off comfortably.

However it has emerged that, despite the comfort it provides, the operation of actuating the button with the help of the stick has certain disadvantages.

Indeed, the end of the stick is filled with a washer to take support on the snow. The puck hides the tip of the stick in the eyes of the user. The latter does not see if it correctly positions the tip on the button. He gropes his way. As a result, the action on the button is slowed down. It is often necessary to try to press several times on the button to finally manage to operate it. In addition to these losses of time, the action of the stick can damage other parts of the device, for example by scratching, or alter the balance of the user.

The document FR 1 546 438 proposes a fixation integrating a magnet intended to attract the tip of a stick. In this embodiment, the magnet is fixed on an outer face of the fastener.

This is why the invention is intended in particular to facilitate the approach or the establishment of the end of the stick on the button of the device.

The same type of problem exists in alpine skiing, where the lever of the rear binding part, commonly called heel, is unlocked by means of a ski pole.

Thus, more broadly, the invention seeks to improve the actuation of a button or a lever of a sports article with the aid of an external member.

For this the invention proposes an article according to the object of claim 1, intended to be associated with a sports machine, the article comprising a movable control means between at least two locking / unlocking positions.

In the article according to the invention, the control means comprises a means of attraction of an actuator external to the article.

Of course, the attraction means urges the external member, such as a stick, towards the control means, such as a button or a lever. The corollary is that the user does not need to fumble to position the tip of the stick on it. The tip is attracted to placement on the control means. This implementation is done with reduced assistance from the user, that is to say, quickly and directly. Among the advantages that result, we can mention the ease and speed of action.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un dispositif de retenue d'une chaussure sur un ski, selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective avant du dispositif de retenue sur le ski, selon la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté partielle du dispositif de la figure 2, dans une position de retenue de la chaussure,
• la figure 4 est une coupe partielle du dispositif selon IV-IV de la figure 2, dans une position de retenue de la chaussure,
• la figure 5 est une coupe partielle du dispositif similaire à la figure 4, pour un premier mode de libération de la chaussure,
• la figure 6 est une coupe partielle du dispositif similaire à la figure 4, pour un deuxième mode de libération de la chaussure,
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective du dessus d'une pièce formant bouton du dispositif de la figure 2,
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective du dessous de la pièce selon la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une coupe longitudinale partielle, équivalente à celle de la figure 4, pour une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 10 est similaire à la figure 4 ou 9, pour 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 :

• the figure 1 is a side view of a device for retaining a boot on a ski, according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view before the retaining device on the ski, according to the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a partial side view of the device of the figure 2 in a retaining position of the shoe,
• the figure 4 is a partial section of the device according to IV-IV of the figure 2 in a retaining position of the shoe,
• the figure 5 is a partial section of the device similar to the figure 4 , for a first mode of release of the shoe,
• the figure 6 is a partial section of the device similar to the figure 4 , for a second mode of release of the shoe,
• the figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a button part of the device of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of the underside of the room according to the figure 7 ,
• the figure 9 is a partial longitudinal section, equivalent to that of the figure 4 for a second embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 10 is similar to the figure 4 or 9 for a third embodiment of the invention.

Although the first two embodiments described below relate to a device for retaining a boot on a cross-country ski, it should be understood that they also apply to other articles as mentioned above. .

The first embodiment is presented using the Figures 1 to 8 .

As we see on the figure 1 , a shoe 1 is held temporarily on a machine 2 with the aid of a retaining device 3. The machine 2 is for example a cross-country ski.

In known manner, the shoe 1 comprises a sole 4 and a rod 5.

For example, the shoe 1 comprises two-part connection means.

These means comprise one or two bars 6, 7, as in the embodiment shown, which are arranged in the sole 4 so as to be flush below it. The bars 6, 7 are known to those skilled in the art, for example by the requests of patent EP A-913 102 or EP A-913 103 . This is two cylindrical bars of revolution arranged across a longitudinal groove in the sole. The front bar 6 is for example located towards the front end 8 of the sole, and the rear bar 7 is shifted rearwardly to be disposed at or in front of an area of the shoe corresponding to the flexion zone. metatarsal-phalangeal foot of the user. This arrangement of the bars 6, 7 is appreciated in cross-country skiing because it allows, with a soft sole shoe, to maintain a flexion of the shoe corresponding to that of the foot.

Of course the invention could be implemented with connecting means having another geometry, or another configuration, for example non-circular section bars, hooks, nozzles or latching grooves formed directly in the soleplate , Or other. As indicated above there may be only one bar or other attachment member.

The retention device 3 meanwhile, visible for example on the figure 2 , in particular comprises a base 15. This extends in a longitudinal direction L from a front end 16 to a rear end 17, transversely from a first edge 18 to a second edge 19, and in height from a bearing surface 20 to a reception face 21. Naturally, the bearing surface 20 is intended to cover the ski 2, directly or indirectly. In the same spirit, the reception face 21 is intended to receive the sole 4 of the shoe.

For this purpose the base 15 carries a reversible locking mechanism 25 designed to retain the front bar 6, an elastic return mechanism 26 provided to oppose a distance of the rear bar 7 relative to the base 15, and that a guide edge 27 of the sole 4.

The locking mechanism 25 is well known to those skilled in the art, for example by the patent application FR 2 882 658 . Thus its operating principle is recalled briefly.

As we observe in particular on Figures 3 and 4 , the locking mechanism 25 comprises a housing 28 for receiving a movable carriage 29 and an elastic means 30. The latter is formed for example in the form of a compression spring. An area of the housing 28 forms a fixed jaw 31, while an extension of the carriage 29 forms a movable jaw 32. The elastic means, or spring 30, permanently urges the movable jaw 32 towards the fixed jaw 31. Thus the front bar 6 of the shoe, shown only for a good readability of the figures, is naturally retained by the mechanism 25.

Of course, the release of the shoe 1 is possible by voluntary action of the user. For this the mechanism 25 further comprises a lever 38 hinged relative to the housing 28 according to a trunnion 39 of transverse axis 40, and a control means or a button 41 which is the link between the lever 38 and the carriage 29. A connecting means, comprising for example a trunnion 42 of transverse axis 43, connects the button 41 to the lever 38. This trunnion passes through a hole in the button 41 along the axis 43, and cooperates with a light 44 of the lever 38. In the same spirit, another connecting means, comprising for example a trunnion 45 of transverse axis 46, connects the button 41 to the carriage 29. The lever 38 and the button 41 are means for controlling the locking or unlocking of the retainer.

The locking mechanism 25 operates as is understood in particular by means of the Figures 5 and 6 . In fact, the user has two modes of operation to unlock, the mechanism being able to be used according to the two modes of operation.

The first mode, according to the figure 5 consists in manually urging the lever 38. This bias, symbolized by the arrow F1, acts in a direction away from the lever 38 of the reception face 21 of the device. The bias causes rotation of the lever 38 along the axis 40, combined with an upward movement and an advance of the button 41. The latter drives the carriage 29 forward against the action of the elastic means or spring 30. heard this moves the jaws 31, 32 away from each other. It follows that the front bar 6 can leave the locking mechanism 25.

Note that, according to the first embodiment, the button 41 serves as an intermediate between the lever 38 and the carriage 29.

Of course, when the tensile stress ceases, the carriage, the button and the lever each assume a folding position, for which the mechanism 25 is able to retain the bar 6.

The second mode of operation meanwhile, according to the figure 6 is to directly request the button 41 in compression. This solicitation, symbolized by the arrow F2, acts in a direction of approaching the button 41 of the reception face 21. The bias causes a lowering and an advance of the button 41. This effect is obtained by sliding the pin 42 in the light 44. The lever 38 remains stationary, but again the carriage 29 advances against the action of the spring 30. The jaws 31, 32 move away from each other. The mechanism 25 is open.

It can be observed that the compressive bias F2 can be applied with a member external to the device 3. This member is for example a stick 50, which comprises a metal tip 51 intended to catch ice and snow, and a washer 52 intended to to take support on the snow. Of course, the washer widens the tip 51 to provide the stick a sufficient support surface.

To accommodate the tip 51 of the stick, the button 41 has a reception area 53. This is achieved for example in the form of an open cavity 54 formed in the button. However it 53 could alternatively present any suitable structure as a projecting relief from the button 41.

According to the first embodiment described, the user brings the tip 51 into the reception zone 53, in this case the cavity 54, when he wishes to actuate the button 41 directly. This maneuver is hampered by the washer 52, which mask button 41 in view.

This is why the invention provides that the button 41 comprises a means of attraction of an external actuating member such as a stick 50.

The means of attraction solicits the tip 51 of the stick towards the reception zone 53 of the button. Thus the tip is naturally directed to the button 41, even if it is hidden by the washer 52 in the view of the user. The latter must just approach the tip towards the mechanism 25, without fumbling. This makes the approach easy and fast.

According to the first embodiment, as is understood not only by means of the Figures 4 to 6 , but also with the help of Figures 7 and 8 , the attraction means comprises a magnet 60 adapted to attract the metal tip 51 of the stick or a metal piece adapted to attract a magnet housed in said tip or other part of the stick. That is to say that the button 41 comprises a magnet 60.

The magnet 60 is associated with the button 41 as is better understood using the Figures 7 and 8 .

In general, the button 41 extends in length from a front end 61 to a rear end 62, in width between a first lateral edge 63 and a second lateral edge 64, and in thickness between an inner face 65 and an outer face 66.

Of course, the inner face 65 is turned towards the housing 28 of the locking mechanism 25. The outer face 66, for its part, is turned towards the outside of the mechanism 25 to be accessible. Thus the reception area 53 of the tip of the stick, in this case the cavity 54, is formed on the outer face 66.

According to the first embodiment described, the magnet 60 is associated with the button 41 on the side of the inner face 65, opposite the outer face. More specifically, the magnet 60 is housed in an internal cavity 67 of the button, the cavity 67 being open and opening on the side of the inner face 65. In other words the cavity 67 is closed outwards. In a broader manner it can be said that the magnet is located in the control means 41. The cavity 67 has an inlet 68, a bottom 69 and a periphery 70 which connects the inlet to the bottom.

Without limitation, the internal cavity 67 has a generally circular shape. By analogy, the magnet 60 also has a generally circular shape. The magnet is here made in the form of a flat disc. The shapes of the cavity 67 and the magnet 60 are complementary, that is to say intended for the magnet to fit into the cavity.

Thus the cavity 67 has a diameter and a depth equal to or slightly greater than the diameter and the thickness of the magnet 60.

The combination of the magnet 60 and the button 41 is by insertion of the magnet into the cavity 67. A retaining means holds the magnet 60 in place in the cavity. This means comprises, for example, extensions of material 75, coming from the internal face 65, folded over the entrance 68. Of course, the extensions are folded after the magnet 60 has been put in place. Thus, the latter is permanently retained. in the button 41. In other words the magnet 60 is crimped in the cavity 67 of the button 41.

Of course other structures could be suitable to achieve the retaining means. For example it may alternatively be expected to stick the magnet, to enclose with a lid or any equivalent, or other.

Note that a wall 76 of the button 41 separates the magnet 60 from the tip 51 of the stick when it is in the open external cavity 54. This is visible on the figure 6 . In fact the wall 76 delimits the bottom 69 of the internal cavity 67, as well as the bottom of the external cavity 54. It follows that the action of the magnet 60 is through the wall 76, that is, to say indirectly.

The button 41 comprises one or more materials that allow the passage of a magnetic field. For example, the button 41 may be a part made of a plastic material such as a polyurethane, a polyamide, or any equivalent material. According to the first embodiment, the button 41 is a one-piece piece. This facilitates the realization of the rear end 62 in two parts or arms 77, 78. It is noted in passing that the arms 77, 78 define orifices 79, 80 for the pin 45 of axis 46. The arms 77, 78 pass respectively on each side of the carriage 29, and accommodate the spring 30. The front end 61, for its part, defines an orifice 81 for the trunnion 42 axis 43. Thus the magnet 60 is housed between the journals 42,45.

The other embodiments are presented below using the figures 9 and 10 . For the sake of convenience, only the elements necessary for understanding are highlighted.

For the second embodiment, according to the figure 9 , the elements are referenced by adding the cent value to their counterparts of the first form. There is a ski 102, a retaining device 103, a locking mechanism 125, a housing 128, a carriage 129, a spring 130, a fixed jaw 131, a movable jaw 132 and a button 141 with the external cavity 154. A magnet 160 is housed in the button 141. The operating procedure of opening the mechanism 125 with a stick also requires a thrust in the external cavity 154.

What differentiates the second form from the first is the absence of a pull lever. Thus only the action on the button 141 allows unlocking, In other words the locking mechanism 125, according to the second form, can be used according to a single operating mode. The button 141 is the only element that makes it possible to control an unlocking.

For the third embodiment, according to the figure 10 the elements are referenced by adding the value two cents to their counterparts of the first form. There is a ski 202 and a heelpiece 203, which is in fact a part of a retaining device provided for removably retaining the back of a shoe on a runway ski. Thus the heel 203 comprises a locking mechanism 225, a movable jaw 232 capable of cooperating with the sole of the boot, and a control means or a lever 241 with its external cavity 254. A magnet 260 is housed in the lever 241. Operation mode opening mechanism 225 by means of a stick can also be done by pushing into the outer cavity 254, so as to pivot the lever 241 downwards.

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 magnet and its receiving cavity may have any suitable shape.

The article may be something other than a retainer, or part of a device. It may be for example a climbing wedge.

Claims (9)

1. Article (3, 103, 203) provided to be associated with a sports apparatus (2, 102, 202), the article (3, 103, 203) comprising a control mechanism (41, 141, 241) movable at least between a locking position and an unlocking position, said control mechanism (41, 141, 241) comprising an arrangement to attract an actuating member (50) separate from the article (3, 103, 203), the attraction arrangement comprising a magnet (60, 160, 260), characterized in that the magnet (60, 160, 260) is housed in a recess (67) of the control mechanism (41, 141, 241), the recess (67) being open and opening out on an inner surface of the control mechanism.
2. Article (3, 103, 203) according to claim 1, characterized in that a retaining arrangement retains the magnet (60, 160, 260) in the recess (67).
3. Article (3, 103, 203) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the control mechanism (41, 141, 241) comprises a zone (53) for receiving the end of a pole, the receiving zone (53) being provided on an outer surface (66) of the control mechanism.
4. Article (3, 103, 203) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control mechanism (41, 141, 241) is a button or a lever comprising a material allowing transmission of a magnetic field therethrough.
5. Article (3, 103) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is a device (3, 103) for retaining a boot (1) on a cross-country ski (2, 102).
6. Article (3, 103) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a locking mechanism (125) usable according to a single mode of operation.
7. Article (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a locking mechanism (25) usable according to two modes of operation.
8. Article (203) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is a portion of a device (203) for retaining a boot on an alpine ski (202).
9. Article according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is climbing wedge.

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