EP1958678B1 - Assembly comprising a detachable device for attaching a base to a plate - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of assemblies comprising a removable device for securing a plate relative to a base. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for securing a device for retaining a shoe to a gliding board.

Such devices are used for the practice of sports, such as cross-country skiing, telemark, hiking, or other.

It is known to associate a plate with a retainer of a shoe, and to associate a base to a gliding board. From there, the plate and the base can be secured to one another removably by a guide means for securing the retaining device to the board.

For example, the document FR 06 02421 discloses guiding means used in the technical field of cross-country skiing. According to this document, the guide means comprises a slide, for longitudinally guiding the plate relative to the base. Once the plate is mounted on the base, it is sufficient to immobilize longitudinally so that the attachment to one another is stable. According to the document FR 06 02421 this securing is obtained by the use of screws. Of course, these are operated using a tool. This means that to assemble or separate the plate and the base relative to each other, it takes a tool.

The use of a tool is a constraint in many ways. You have to start by selecting the tool, which involves storing it and looking for it. It takes time and space. Then you have to manipulate the tool, which is not always easy or easy. Indeed, the screw head can carry dirt that hinder cooperation with the tool. For example, earth or ice may clog at least part of a screw head cavity. In this case the key or the screwdriver is difficult to apply. To this is added for example the risk of loss of screws. If this happens in the snow, finding the screw is a challenge.

It is understood the use of a tool to immobilize the plate relative to the base, is a real problem.

In relation to this, one particular object of the invention is to avoid the use of a tool for assembling or separating the plate relative to the base. Another object of the invention is to simplify the immobilization of the plate relative to the base. In particular, the invention seeks to make the joining of one to the other easier, and faster.

Another goal is to avoid the loss of screws.

In another example, the document EP1839713A1 discloses guiding means used in the technical field of cross-country skiing. According to this document the displacement of the plate relative to the guide means is without tools. However, to move the base relative to the guide it is necessary to open the reversible locking mechanism of the fastener.

To do this, the invention proposes an assembly comprising a plate, a base, and a device for detachably fastening the plate relative to the base, the plate being provided to be associated with a removable retaining device of a shoe, the base being provided to be associated with a gliding board, the removable fastening device comprising a longitudinal guide means of the plate relative to the base.

The assembly according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a means of immobilization actuated manually to immobilize the plate relative to the base in the longitudinal guide direction.

Of course the immobilizing means prevents any movement of the plate relative to the base. Because this means is set up or operated by hand, the use of a tool is avoided. In other words it is not necessary to use an element outside the fastening device to obtain the desired result, namely the immobilization of the plate relative to the base.

It advantageously follows that the time required to assemble or separate the plate relative to the base is reduced. In addition, the manipulation of the immobilizing means is simpler than the use of a tool. As a result, the connection or the separation of the plate with respect to the base is simple. Another advantage is to avoid the loss of screws, at least in the case of a screw operated with a tool.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de retenue d'une chaussure sur une planche de glisse, pour un ensemble selon la forme de réalisation décrite de l'invention, le dispositif de retenue étant associé à une platine,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de retenue de la figure 1, ainsi que d'une embase prévue pour coopérer avec la platine,
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon II-III de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective, similaire à la figure 2, pour laquelle le dispositif de retenue et la platine sont présentés avec un décalage angulaire de 90°,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 3.

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 a non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be realized, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for retaining a boot on a gliding board, for an assembly according to the described embodiment of the invention, the retaining device being associated with a plate,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the restraint of the figure 1 , as well as a base adapted to cooperate with the plate,
• the figure 3 is a section II-III of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a section IV-IV of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 is a perspective view, similar to the figure 2 , for which the retaining device and the plate are presented with an angular offset of 90 °,
• the figure 6 is a section according to VI-VI of the figure 3 .

Although the embodiment described hereinafter relates to an assembly for cross-country skiing, it should be understood that it also applies to assemblies for other fields as mentioned above.

The embodiment is presented using the Figures 1 to 6 .

As can be understood by using the figure 1 , a set 1 allows the retention of a boot 2, on a gliding board 3, by means of a removable retaining device 4.

The shoe 2 will be described after using the figure 3 . The board of the figure 1 , in turn, is shown only in part. This board 3 is actually a cross-country ski, intended for the eponymous practice. It involves driving the ski 3 with movements that include an alternative heel lift.

The retainer 4 of the shoe 2 is well known to those skilled in the art.

According to the embodiment described, and in a nonlimiting manner, the device 4 comprises in particular a reversible locking mechanism 5 and an elastic return mechanism 6. There is also provided a guide edge 7, which allows a transverse retention of the shoe. This is especially true when the heel is plated on the ridge.

The assembly 1 further comprises a plate 10 designed to be associated with the retaining device 4. The plate 10 carries the locking mechanism 5, the return mechanism 6, and the edge 7.

According to the embodiment described, the locking mechanism 5, the return mechanism 6, the edge 7 and the plate 10 form a single piece. This facilitates the implementation on the ski 3, as will be seen later. It could be written that the retaining device 4, the edge 7 and the plate 10 form a single piece.

However, it could alternatively be provided that a mechanism 5, 6, the edge 7, or all the components 5, 6, 7 are reported and secured by any means to the plate 10.

The latter 10 extends in length, in a longitudinal direction L, between a first end 11, or front end, and a second end 12, or rear end.

The plate 10 extends transversely between a first edge 13 and a second edge 14, and in height from a bearing face 15 to a receiving face 16. Of course, the bearing face 15 is provided for come over the ski 3, while the welcome side 16 is provided to accommodate the shoe 2.

The longitudinal direction L of the plate 10 merges with that of the ski, when the latter 10 is secured to the ski. As a result, the guide edge 7 is oriented along the length of the ski, as well as the shoe.

In addition it is recalled that a single plate 10, carrying a single retaining device 4, is subject to the ski 3. This amounts to saying that only one shoe is retained on the ski 3.

Note that the width of the plate 10, measured between the edges 13, 14, is substantially equal to that of the ski 3. Of course the width may alternatively be different, for example slightly greater, or slightly lower, the difference being a few millimeters.

As can be understood by using the figure 2 , the assembly 1 comprises a base 20 intended to be associated with the ski 3. In similarity to the plate 10, the base 20 extends in length in the longitudinal direction L, between a first end 21, or front end, and a second end 22, or rear end. The base 20 extends transversely between a first edge 23 and a second edge 24, and in height from a bearing face 25 to a receiving face 16. Naturally, the bearing face 25 is provided to be secured to the ski 3, while the reception face 26 is provided to accommodate the plate 10.

From the first end 21 to the second 22, the base 20 has successively a first enlarged portion 30, a bridge 31, then a second portion 32. Of course the bridge 31 connects the portions 30, 32 to one another. Without limitation, the first enlarged portion 30 delimits a central cavity 33, and the second enlarged portion 32 delimits a central cavity 34. It will be seen later that these cavities 33, 34 accommodate elements of the plate 10 or the retaining device. 4.

To associate the base 20 to the ski 3, there is provided a removable securing means. This comprises screws 35, for example four in number. Of course a different number of screws can be provided. Without limitation, a screw 35 is arranged towards the first end 21, two screws are arranged at the first enlarged portion 30 near the bridge 31, and a screw is disposed at the second enlarged portion 32, more precisely towards the second end 22. However, other arrangements may be suitable.

It goes without saying that the screws 35 are screwed into the ski 3 through holes 36 of the base 20. Note that the screws 35, and therefore the base 20, are intended to be secured to the ski perennially.

We could also provide that the means of securing the base 20 to the ski 3 is not removable, at least in a simple manner by disassembly. For example the base 20 could be glued or welded to the ski. Again, the ski 3 could form with the base 20 a single piece.

The device for securing the plate 10 to the base 20 will be detailed later. Nevertheless, when the connection of the plate 10 to the base 20 is effected, as is observed on the figure 3 , the retaining device 4 and the guide edge 7 are removably secured to the ski 3.

The shoe 2 comprises, as is well known to those skilled in the art, a first connecting bar 40 and a second connecting bar 41. The bars 40, 41 are arranged transversely and at the sole of the shoe.

The first bar 40, located towards the front of the shoe, is housed in a cavity 42 of the locking mechanism 5. The bar is retained in the cavity 42, reversibly, by a retaining member 43. The latter comprises a rigid wire, actuated by a lever 44.

The second bar 41 is also located towards the front of the shoe, but further back. This bar 41 cooperates with the elastic return mechanism 6, to help return the soleplate to the plate 11 after raising the heel. For example the second bar 41 is pulled by a hook 45, against the action of an elastic means 46. For example, the latter comprises a spring.

It therefore appears that the shoe 2 is retained on the plate 10, and therefore on the ski 3, at two points represented by the bars 40, 41. However, it could alternatively be provided with another number of holding points, for example one or three.

In addition to the locking mechanism 5 is structured for a direct transmission of the driving forces of the first bar 40 to the ski 3, as is understood by means of figures 3 and 4 . Indeed, a transmitter 47 connects the retaining member 43 of the bar 40 to the ski 3. This transmitter 47 comprises a bracket 48 traversed by a slot 49 for the passage of the wire 43. The base 50 of the square is plated on the ski 3 by the action of the screws 35 at the first portion 30 of the base 20. The latter 20 is in fact structured to receive the base 50, in its first cavity 33, at the height of the two holes 36 Since the wire 43 is supported on the bar 40 by the action of the transmitter 47, the driving forces pass directly from the boot to the ski. It advantageously follows that the transmission of sensory information, or driving efforts, is more precise.

The device for securing the plate 10 to the base 20 is described below using the figure 5 .

This device comprises, according to the embodiment described, a longitudinal guide means of the plate 10 relative to the base 20. The guide means itself comprises a slide 60 formed on the plate 10, and a rail 61 of course formed on the base 20. Of course the rail 61 is structured to cooperate with the slide 60.

In a nonlimiting manner there is provided a slider 60 segmented, that is to say which comprises several sections. For example, the slideway 60 comprises, between the first end 11 and the second end 12, a first section 62, a second section 63, and a third section 64. The first section 62 is delimited transversely by two flanges 65, 66 that are rotated. one to the other. By analogy, the second section 63 is delimited transversely by two flanges 67, 68, and the third section 64 is bounded transversely by two flanges 69, 70. It is noted that the widths of the sections 62, 63, 64 vary. Thus the first 62 and third 64 sections are relatively narrow, while the second section 63 is wider.

By corollary there is provided a segmented rail 61, which also includes several sections. For example, the rail 61 comprises, between the first end 21 and the second end 22, a first section 72, a second section 73, and a third section 74. The first section 72 is delimited transversely by two flanges 75, 76 in opposition to each other. one with respect to the other. By analogy, the second section 73 is delimited transversely by two wings 77, 78, and the third section 74 is delimited transversely by two wings 79, 80. It is noted that the widths of the sections 72, 73, 74 vary. Thus the first 72 and third 74 sections are relatively narrow, while the second section 73 is wider.

It should be noted in passing that an opposite arrangement could have been foreseen. A slide could have been formed on the base 20, and a rail formed on the plate 10.

The fastening of the plate 10 to the base 20 comprises the following first step. This consists in affixing the plate 10 on the base 20, the bearing face 15 of the plate being opposite the reception face 26 of the base, so that the first 72, second 73 and third 74 rail sections are situated next to the first 62, second 63, and third 64 slide sections, that is to say with a longitudinal offset. Then, a second step of the joining is to move longitudinally the plate 10 by relative to the base 20, so that the first 72, second 73 and third 74 rail sections 61 are respectively engaged with the first 62, second 63 and third 64 sections of slide 60. It follows that the plate 10 and the base 20 are immobilized in all directions relative to each other, except in the longitudinal direction L.

In addition, in order to obtain total solidarity of one with respect to the other 20, it suffices to organize the longitudinal immobilization. To do this, as is understood in particular with the help of figures 2 , 3 , 5 and 6 , the invention proposes a manually operated immobilization means for immobilizing the plate relative to the base in the longitudinal guide direction L.

Because it is operated by hand, directly and without tools, the immobilizing means allows easy assembly and disassembly, easy and fast, the plate 10 relative to the base 20. As a result it is easy and fast to mount or dismount the retaining device 4 with respect to the ski 3.

According to the first embodiment described, and in a nonlimiting manner, the immobilizing means comprises a first cleat 90, which itself comprises a first stop finger 91, and has a first receiving cavity 92 formed in the plate 10, and a first receiving cavity 93 formed in the base 20. Of course, the first finger 91 is housed partly in the cavity 92 of the plate 10 and partly in the cavity 93 of the base 20. Because it extends in the two cavities 92, 93, the stop finger 91 immobilizes the plate 10 relative to the base 20 in the longitudinal direction L.

The finger 91 extends between a free end 94 and a gripping end 95 of the cleat 90. The gripping end comprises a flanged cap 96, intended to be taken by hand.

The finger 91 has a circular section. By analogy, the cavities 92, 93 each have a circular section. The respective sections of the finger 91 and cavities 92, 93 are chosen to obtain a precise fit, for example without play. A benefit that arises is the longitudinal retention without play of the plate 10 relative to the base 20. This participates to driving precision.

The receiving cavity 92 of the plate 10 is in fact a hole, circular in shape, which extends transversely from the reception face 16 to the bearing surface 15. The receiving cavity 93 of the the base 20 is also a hole, circular in shape, which extends from the receiving face 26 to the bearing face 25. The cavities 92, 93 or holes are respectively oriented perpendicular to the bearing faces 15, 25 or receiving faces 16, 26.

The positioning of the finger 91 in the cavities 92, 93 is done by hand, by introducing the side of the reception face 16 of the plate 10, after the cavities have been aligned.

Note that after the introduction of the finger 91, the cap 96 covers the plate 10 so as to extend in particular the reception face 16 and / or the edges 13, 14.

Note also that the cleat 90 is a one-piece piece made for example from a plastic material. Of course, it may alternatively be provided that the finger 91 and the end 95 are parts secured to one another.

Of course the separation of the plate and the base involves the manual removal of the cleat 90, by simple pulling, then a small longitudinal sliding of the plate relative to the base, and finally a spacing of one compared to the other.

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

In particular, the plate 10 and the base 20 may comprise plastics.

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

In particular, the immobilizing means of the plate relative to the base may comprise several stops.

The longitudinal guiding means may comprise other elements than a slide and a rail.

The slide and the rail could be respectively continuous.

The assembly 1 according to the invention may comprise all the elements that are the gliding board, the shoe 2, the retaining device 4, the locking mechanism 5, the elastic return mechanism 6, the guide edge 7, and of course the plate 10, and the base 20, or only part of these elements.

Claims (10)

1. Assembly (1) comprising a plate (10), a base (20) and an attachment device by means of which the plate (10) can be installed or removed with respect to the base (20), the plate (10) being designed to be associated with a retention device (4) which comprises a reversible locking mechanism (5) for a boot (2), the base (20) being designed to be associated with a cross-country ski (3), the attachment device, by means of which the plate can be installed or removed, comprising a means for the longitudinal guiding of the plate (10) with respect to the base (20),
   characterized in that it comprises an immobilizing means (90) which is distinct from the reversible locking mechanism (5) and is manually actuated to immobilize the plate (10) with respect to the base (20) in the longitudinal guiding direction (L),
   in that the immobilizing means comprises a first stop (90) which itself comprises a first arresting finger (91),
   and in that the immobilizing means has a first receiving cavity (92) created in the plate (10) and a first receiving cavity (93) created in the base (20), the first arresting finger (91) being accommodated in part in the first cavity (92) of the plate (10) and in part in the first cavity (93) of the base (20) when the plate is immobilized with respect to the base.
2. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (10) bears an elastic return mechanism (6).
3. Assembly (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for the longitudinal guiding of the plate (10) with respect to the base (20) comprises a runner (60) and a rail (61) which is structured so as to engage with the runner.
4. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the runner (60) is segmented, comprising several sections (62, 63, 64), and in that the rail (61) is segmented, also comprising several sections (72, 73, 74).
5. Assembly (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the runner (60) is created on the plate (10), and in that the rail (61) is created on the base (20).
6. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first finger (91) is of circular cross section, and in that the first cavities (92, 93) are each of circular cross section.
7. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arresting finger (91) extends between a free end (94) and a gripping end (95) of the first stop (90).
8. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a retaining device (4) for a boot (2) and a guiding ridge (7).
9. Assembly (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the retaining device (4), the ridge (7) and the plate (10) form a one-piece part.
10. Assembly (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it also comprises a cross-country ski (3) and/or a boot (2).

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