EP2138208B1 - Improved snow gliding board - Google Patents

Abstract

The board (100) has a base presenting shape of an elongated beam with even distribution of thickness of width and stiffness. The base is formed of a runner (22) that is extended forward by a front part (23) raised at its end for forming a spatula (21) and is extended towards backward by a rear part (20) terminated with a stud (25). An enclosure (1) contains rheological magneto fluid, where a part of the enclosure is subjected to magnetic field realized by a permanent magnet. A modification unit modifies intensity of the magnetic field.

Description

The present invention relates to a snow board on snow such as a ski, a monoski, a surf, or other. It relates more particularly to an improvement relating to a gliding board comprising at least one base, and which comprises means for adjusting the characteristics of said gliding board and therefore its behavior on the snow, and especially its behavior in the trajectories. and its vibratory characteristics.

The practice of boardsports is becoming more and more followers and has evolved terribly in recent years with practitioners increasingly demanding about the quality of products. This is, for example, the case of snow sports.

Numerous models of gliding boards, and in particular skis, which are constituted by an elongated beam whose front end is raised to form the spatula, while the lower surface comprises a sliding sole bordered by metal edges.

Despite all the efforts made by the manufacturers to satisfy the customers, there is not, to date, ski combining perfectly the comfort of use with satisfactory characteristics of behavior in the trajectories, and in particular of dynamic behavior, whatever the type of terrain, and whoever the user is, under varying snow conditions.

Some attempts have been made, for example by the constructions disclosed by the patents FR 2,678,517 and the plaintiff also proposed in her patent FR 2,575,393 another device.

Skis known to date, even if they are already very advanced are not completely satisfactory, and can be further improved, and this is the purpose of the present invention, by providing a ski comprising adjustment means for to intervene on the characteristics of the ski, as for example its characteristics in bending and its vibratory characteristics. In the invention and in the document WO 03/049821 these adjustment means use the characteristics of a magneto-rheological fluid, this type of fluid being such that its viscosity is variable as a function of the magnetic field in which it is located.

Thus, the board for sliding on snow such as a ski, a monoski or a surfboard, of vertical plane of general symmetry, comprising a main part, said body or base, having the shape of an elongate beam having its own distribution. thickness, coastline, width and stiffness, and can be of all types and constitutions, and which is constituted by a central zone said pad extended forwards by a front portion raised at its end to form a spatula, and rearwards by a rear portion terminated by a heel, while the board comprises at least one chamber containing magneto-rheological fluid, a part of which is subjected to a magnetic field, is according to the invention characterized in that the enclosure comprising the magneto-rheological fluid comprises a movable blade, extended outwards by a rod which protrudes outside the enclosure and whose free end is fixed to the base, and depending on the value of the magnetic field applying the fluid, the blade moves in this fluid more or less easily, the enclosure with its blade and its rod thus constituting an assembly to intervene on the characteristics of the ski, because thus, during the displacement of the blade due to the bending of the ski, it results in a shear of the fluid of the enclosure and therefore a depreciation.

According to a complementary feature, the enclosure is formed at the upper and lower level by ferromagnetic plates, an upper plate and a lower plate, and at the front and rear by non-magnetic supports respectively, which serve as a guide. displacement on the one hand the rod and on the other hand the retaining piece of the movable plate, in order to correctly position said blade in the magneto-rheological fluid.

According to another characteristic, the ferromagnetic plates are extended at the free end of the enclosure to accommodate a permanent magnet between these two plate extensions, while the direction of the magnetic flux in this magnet follows in the direction of North-South polarization and then the continuity of the magnetic field is ensured and passes through the ferromagnetic upper plate, then by the fluid and finally by the lower ferromagnetic plate to return to the magnet.

Let us add that the enclosure includes means for modifying the intensity of the magnetic field, so that the assembly to intervene on the characteristics of the ski, is a set of adjustment.

Thus, according to other features, the magnet is movable in translation, or according to an alternative embodiment, the magnetic field is formed by an electromagnet controlled by an electric circuit.

According to an alternative embodiment, the adjustment assembly is disposed in the region of the pad, and is for example arranged in a platform, the enclosure being disposed in the thickness of the platform in the central area left free under the shoe.

According to complementary characteristics, the magnetic field is formed by a permanent magnet, mobile or fixed associated with a shunt or by an electromagnet controlled by an electric circuit.

Note that according to one embodiment, the general axis of the adjustment assembly extends longitudinally in the vertical plane of general symmetry of the ski, while in another mode the board comprises two sets of adjustment, which are arranged on the front or rear part of the base, beyond the central zone of the pad.

Add that the adjustment assembly is disposed in the pad area, or in a platform, the enclosure being disposed in the thickness of the platform in the central area left free under the shoe.

Note that according to the invention the enclosure comprising the magneto-rheological fluid comprises a blade mobile, extended outwardly by a rod which protrudes outside the enclosure and whose free end is fixed to the base, and, depending on the value of the magnetic field requesting the fluid, the blade moves in this fluid more or less easily, the enclosure with its blade and its rod constituting a set of adjustment.

• Les figures 1, 2 et 3 illustrent selon des représentations schématiques, trois exemples d'un système de réglage contenant le fluide magnéto rhéologique ne comportant pas les caractéristiques de l'invention.
• Les figures 4, 4a, illustrent un ski, la figure 4 étant une vue de dessus tandis que la figure 4a est une vue latérale.
• Les figures 5, à 8 illustrent selon des vues de dessus, quatre modes de réalisation d'un ski.
• Les figures 7 et 8 illustrent deux variantes de réalisation qui diffèrent de l'invention.
• Les figures 9, 10, et 11 représentent un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 9 est une vue de dessus du ski.
• La figure 10 est une vue en coupe verticale et longitudinale du système de réglage de l'invention.
• La figure 11 est une vue en coupe selon AA de la figure 10.
• Les figures 12 à 15 représentent un autre mode d'utilisation du fluide magnéto rhéologique.
• Les figures 12 et 13 étant une illustration d'un premier mode d'exécution, la figure 12 étant une vue latérale partielle et schématique du ski, et la figure 13 étant une vue de dessus.
• Les figures 14 et 15 étant une illustration d'un deuxième mode d'exécution, la figure 14 étant une vue latérale partielle et schématique du ski, et la figure 15 étant une vue de dessus.
• La figure 16 est une vue similaire à la figure 11 d'une variante de réalisation.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples.
The Figures 1 to 8 and 12 to 15 do not represent the invention but are useful for its understanding.

• The Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate, in schematic representations, three examples of an adjustment system containing the magneto-rheological fluid not comprising the characteristics of the invention.
• The Figures 4, 4a , illustrate a ski, the figure 4 being a view from above while the figure 4a is a side view.
• The Figures 5 to 8 illustrate according to views from above, four embodiments of a ski.
• The Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two alternative embodiments which differ from the invention.
• The Figures 9, 10, and 11 represent an embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 9 is a top view of the ski.
• The figure 10 is a vertical and longitudinal sectional view of the adjustment system of the invention.
• The figure 11 is a sectional view according to AA of the figure 10 .
• The Figures 12 to 15 represent another mode of use of the magneto-rheological fluid.
• The Figures 12 and 13 being an illustration of a first mode of execution, the figure 12 being a partial and schematic side view of the ski, and the figure 13 being a view from above.
• The Figures 14 and 15 being an illustration of a second embodiment, the figure 14 being a partial and schematic side view of the ski, and the figure 15 being a view from above.
• The figure 16 is a view similar to the figure 11 of an alternative embodiment.

According to the invention to intervene on the characteristics of the ski, as for example its flexural characteristics and its vibratory characteristics, adjustment means are provided and these means use the characteristics of a magneto-rheological fluid. This type of fluid is such that its apparent viscosity is variable depending on the intensity or the influence of the magnetic field in which it is located.

The Figures 1 to 8 , represent a ski using a control system based on fluid flow that differs from the invention.

Thus, according to the invention, the adjustment means provided are constituted by at least one chamber (1) comprising the magneto-rheological fluid (2), part of which is subjected to a magnetic field, of which the intensity or the influence is adjustable, by means of modifying (30) the intensity of the magnetic field. Note that the magnetic field can be generated by an electromagnet (3) connected to an electrical and electronic circuit, or by a permanent magnet that would be mobile.

According to a variant not covered by the invention, the enclosure (1) comprising the magneto-rheological fluid (2) comprises two chambers (1a, 1b), which communicate with each other by a rolling channel (10, 10 ', 10 " ), making the two chambers (1a, 1b) communicate, in order to constitute a rolling of the fluid at the passage from one of the chambers (1a or 1b) to the other chamber (1b or 1a), and note that the electromagnet ( 3) is advantageously arranged close to the rolling channel to control and modify the characteristics of the flow of the fluid as it passes from one of the chambers to the other chamber.

The Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate, for this variant, some embodiments of the enclosure (1) containing the magneto-rheological fluid (2).

The figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of this variant according to which each of the chambers (1a, 1b) comprises a movable piston, respectively, a first piston (4a) for the first chamber (1a) which is an actuating chamber, and a second piston (4b) for the second chamber (1b) which is a volume compensation chamber. In order to perform its actuating function, the piston of the first chamber comprises a piston rod (5) projecting outside the first chamber (1a), whereas the second movable piston (4b) is urged by a compression spring (6). Moreover, the latter, which at one end activates the corresponding piston (4b) and at the other end thereof rests on an adjustment cap (60), which allows the user to adjust the initial force of the spring ( 6)

Note that the rolling channel (10) is formed as a small section duct connecting the two chambers (1a, 1b), while the permanent magnet (3) is arranged for example at the periphery of this duct, and may be more or less distant from this conduit to modify the influence of the magnetic field on the fluid ..

The figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of this variant according to which the enclosure (1) comprises a movable piston (4) delimiting the two chambers (1a, 1b) while the passage of the fluid (2) from one chamber to the other is through a bypass channel (10 ') whose flow is controlled by a permanent electromagnet magnet (3). Note that the movable piston (4) comprises a piston rod (5) which projects outside the enclosure (1).

The figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of this variant according to which the enclosure (1) comprises a movable piston (4) delimiting the two chambers (1a, 1b) while the fluid passage (2) from one chamber to another is made by a rolling channel (10 ") made in the piston head, which comprises a permanent magnet (3) Note that the movable piston (4) comprises a piston rod (5) which protrudes outwards of the enclosure (1) Note also that the rolling could be done peripherally between the periphery of the piston and the wall of the chamber of the enclosure.

Add that the device comprises means for modifying the value of the magnetic field (30) in order to be able to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid during its passage in the rolling channel, and thus allow a modification of the characteristics of the ski and in particular its dynamic and vibratory characteristics.

These adjustment means (30) can be of mechanical type, for example that illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , according to which the adjustment is carried out by a screw (30) which makes it possible to move the permanent magnets away from or closer to the rolling channel (10), and thus to vary the value of the magnetic field. According to the illustrated example the screw (30) is locked in translation and comprises two opposite threads to be able to simultaneously move the two magnets, in or out.

Of course the variation of the magnetic field could be achieved by various mechanical means such as means by the use of a shunt to short circuit the magnetic field when the shunt is brought into contact with the permanent magnet, but also by electrical or electronic means, thanks to an electromagnet whose power would be adjusted by the user via an electronic circuit, see automatically adjusted according to parameters detected or controlled by a sensor.

The invention finds its application for alpine type skis, or it finds its full dimension, but it can be applied to any other type of snowboard on snow such as a ski, a monoski, a surf, or other .

The Figures 4, 4a, 5 , 6, 7 and 8 , illustrate embodiments of a ski to which the adjustment means of the invention could be adapted.

The Figures 4 to 8 represent a board for gliding on snow (100), and in particular a ski type alpine skiing, vertical plane of general symmetry (P), comprising a main part, said body or base (20).

The base (20) has the general shape of an elongate beam whose front is raised to form a spatula (21). Said base has its own distribution of thickness, coastline, width and stiffness and can be of all types and constitutions. Thus, the elongated beam constituting the base (20) can be of all types of designs such as those known to date as, for example, of the sandwich type, the box type, or the shell type, or even the type combining shell and side fields, taken alone or in combination, or mixed and consisting of a set of elements and components known in themselves.

Let us add that the base comprises a so-called central pad zone (22) extended forwards (AV), by a front portion (23) raised at its end to form the spatula (21), and rearwardly (AR). ), by a rear portion (24) ending in a heel (25).

According to the embodiment which differs from the invention, and illustrated in FIG. figure 4 , the adjustment means (26) are arranged on the upper surface of the front part (23), beyond the central zone of the pad (22). For this purpose the body of the enclosure is fixed to the upper surface of the base (20) for example just in front of the zone of the pad (22), while the piston rod (5) which protrudes outside the enclosure (1), extends forward (AV), to be fixed by its front end (50), to the base in an area remote from the area where is fixed the enclosure. In other words, the zone corresponding to the enclosure is at a distance (D) from the zone where the piston rod is fixed to the base, D being for example between 20% and 45% of the length of the pipe. 'base.

Note that the rod (5) allows vibrations during bending of the ski to transform the vertical vibrations in axial displacement. Thus and advantageously the front end (50) of the rod (5) would be fixed to the base by means of a pivoting connection to allow the rotation of the cross section of the ski at the connection point (50), and the recovery of the longitudinal force in the rod (5).

The enclosure (1) with its piston and the piston rod (5) constitute an adjustment assembly (26) whose longitudinal general axis (X, X ') extends longitudinally in the vertical plane of general symmetry (P ) ski.

According to the embodiment which differs from the invention, and illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , the ski comprises two sets of adjustment (26a, 26b), which are arranged as previously, on the front part (23) of the base, beyond the central zone of the pad (22). Each of the assemblies (26a, 26b) comprises, as before, an enclosure which is fixed to the base, for example just in front of the zone of the pad, while the piston rod (5) protruding outside the enclosure (1), extends forward, to be fixed by its front end (50) to the base in an area remote from the area where is fixed the enclosure. It will be noted that according to this embodiment the ski comprises two lateral adjustment assemblies, each of the assemblies (26a, 26b) being disposed on either side of the vertical plane of general symmetry (P) of the ski and extend divergently or convergent.

According to the embodiments which differ from the invention, and represented in Figures 4 and 5 , the set or sets of adjustment (26, 26a, 26b) is or are arranged (s) at the front portion (23) of the base (20). But it could be different as on the Figures 7 and 8 , according to which the assembly (26) or the sets (26a, 26b) of adjustment is or are arranged (s) on the rear part (24) of the base (20).

It is also true that the piston rod (5) could extend from one end of the base (20) to the pad region (22).

The figure 6 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment which differs from the invention, and according to which the adjustment means, consisting of at least one adjustment assembly (26) is arranged in the region of the pad (22) and for example in a platform (220). The latter being intended to receive the retaining fasteners of the shoe as is done conventionally. In this case the enclosure is disposed in the thickness of the platform in the central area left free under the shoe. As previously mentioned, the piston rod (5) could extend from one end of the base (20) to the pad region (22), and in this case the enclosure would be at least partially housed in one end of the platform.

According to another variant the enclosure (1) could be in the platform and the corresponding rod (5) would protrude on the ski in the front zone (23) or rear (24).

According to a variant embodiment illustrated by the Figures 9, 10 and 11 , the enclosure (1) comprising the magneto-rheological fluid (2) does not comprise a piston, but in this fluid there is provided a movable blade (5 '). The movable blade (5 ') disposed in the enclosure (1) which comprises the magneto-rheological fluid (2) is extended outwardly by a rod (5a) which protrudes outside the enclosure and whose free end (50 ') is fixed to the base (20).

Of course, as previously there are provided means (30) for adjusting the magnetic field. Thus, depending on the value of the magnetic field biasing the fluid, the blade moves in this fluid more or less easily. When moving the blade due to the bending of the ski, it therefore results in more or less significant shear and therefore more or less significant damping.

As illustrated in figure 9 and 10 , the magnetic field is created by a permanent magnet, and in this case the setting of the field value can be achieved by the field of one of the magnets that the user could choose in a set of magnets or while modifying the position of the magnet relative to the enclosure.

It will be noted that the assembly (26) formed by the enclosure (1) and its rod (5a) is intended to affect the characteristics of the ski

According to this preferred embodiment, the movable blade (5 ') is in the form of a thin plate. The latter is advantageously parallelepipedal and the chamber is of corresponding shape so that the magneto-rheological fluid forms a film (F1, F2) between the top and the bottom of the plate and the inner walls of said enclosure.

The Figures 12 to 15 illustrate two other alternative embodiments not covered by the scope of the claims, according to which the shearing effect of a flexible enclosure (1) containing the magneto-rheological fluid is used. In these embodiments the enclosure (1) consists of an envelope of flexible material, which contains the magneto-rheological fluid while the enclosure is covered with a stress plate (11). According to these two alternative embodiments, the flexible envelope constituting the enclosure works in shear between the upper surface of the base (20) and the underside (110) of the stress plate (11). Of course, as before, there are provided adjustment means (30) for varying the value of the magnetic field to vary the characteristics of the fluid. It will be noted that the stress plate (11) may have the same dimension as the enclosure (1), as illustrated by the Figures 12 and 13 , be longer as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 the stress plate is then connected to the base (20) beyond the enclosure area. It goes without saying that as before, the device comprises means for adjusting the influence of the magnetic field, for example thanks to a moving permanent magnet or a fixed permanent magnet associated with a movable shunt.

The figure 16 is a view similar to the figure 11 of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

According to this variant, the enclosure (1) comprising the magneto-rheological fluid (2) does not comprise a piston, but in this fluid there is provided a movable blade (5 '). The movable blade (5 ') disposed in the enclosure (1) which comprises the magneto-rheological fluid (2) is extended outwardly by a rod (5a) which protrudes outside the enclosure and whose 'free end is attached to the base, as is the case for the realization of Figures 9, 10, 11 . Of course, there is provided means (30) for adjusting the magnetic field, and depending on the value of the magnetic field requesting the fluid, the blade moves in this fluid more or less easily. When moving the blade due to the bending of the ski, it therefore results in more or less significant shear and therefore more or less significant damping. Thus, the enclosure (1) is formed at the upper and lower level by ferromagnetic plates, an upper plate (11a) and a lower plate (11b), and at the front and rear by non-magnetic supports respectively (12a, 12b), which serve as a displacement guide for firstly the rod (5 ') and secondly the retaining piece (30) of the movable plate (5'), in order to correctly position said blade in the magneto-rheological fluid.

In this embodiment, it is intended to extend the ferromagnetic plates at the free end of the enclosure to accommodate a permanent magnet (300) between these two plate extensions. magnetic flux in this magnet follows the indicated arrow (in the direction of North-South polarization) then the continuity of the magnetic field is ensured and passes through the ferromagnetic upper plate, then by the fluid and finally by the lower ferromagnetic plate to return to the 'magnet.

To regulate the magnetic field, it is possible either to move longitudinally the magnet, or to move longitudinally a ferromagnetic vertical wall (not shown) towards the end of the magnet to make in contact with the magnet a magnetic shunt which would allow then to completely short-circuit the magnetic field and therefore in this case the magnetic flux could no longer cross the magnetorheological fluid.

To ensure the tightness of the enclosure, elastic membranes (110a, 110b) are advantageously positioned at the connections between the ferromagnetic plates and the non-magnetic supports.

Add that the rod (5a) which projects out of the enclosure (1) could be partially rigid, at least in its end connected to the base knowing that the connection with the base is of the type ball joint.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of examples, but is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. Board for sliding on snow (100), such as a ski, a mono-ski or a snowboard, with a vertical plane of general symmetry (P), comprising a main part known as the body or base (20), which is in the form of an elongate beam with its own distribution of thickness, gradient line, width and rigidity, and can be of any type and constitution, and is constituted by a central area known as the runner (22), which is extended at the front by a front part (23) raised at its end in order to constitute a spatula (21), and is extended at the rear by a rear part (24) ending in a heel (25), whereas the board comprises at least one enclosure (1) containing magneto-rheological fluid (2), part of which is subjected to a magnetic field, characterised in that the enclosure (1) comprising the magneto-rheological fluid (2) comprises a mobile blade (5') which is expended towards the exterior by a rod (5a) which projects on the exterior of the enclosure, and the free end (50') of which is secured to the base (20), and thus, according to the value of the magnetic field which attracts the fluid, the blade is displaced in this fluid more or less easily, the enclosure (1) with its blade (5') and its rod (5a) thus constituting an assembly (26) to intervene on the characteristics of the ski, since therefore, during the displacement of the blade caused by the flexure of the ski, shearing of the fluid in the enclosure takes place, and consequently damping occurs.
2. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the enclosure (1) is formed at the upper and lower level by ferromagnetic plates, i.e. an upper plate (11a) and a lower plate (11b), and at the level of the front and rear by non-magnetic supports respectively (12a, 12b), which act as a displacement guide firstly for the rod (5') and secondly for the part (30) for retention of the mobile plate (5'), in order to position the said blade correctly in the magneto-rheological fluid.
3. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that the ferromagnetic plates are extended at the free end of the enclosure in order to accommodate a permanent magnet (300) between these two extensions of plates, whereas the direction of the magnetic flow in this magnet follows the North-South direction of polarisation, then the continuity of the magnetic field is assured, and passes via the upper ferromagnetic plate, then via the fluid, and finally via the lower ferromagnetic plate in order to return to the magnet.
4. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the enclosure (1) comprises means (30) for modification of the intensity of the magnetic field, such that the assembly (26) is an adjustment assembly, in order to intervene on the characteristics of the ski.
5. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that the magnet is mobile in translation.
6. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that a vertical ferromagnetic wall is mobile in translation towards the end of the magnet, in order to provide in contact with the magnet a magnetic shunt which would then make it possible to short-circuit the magnetic field totally, and thus, in this case, the magnetic flow could no longer pass through the magneto-rheological fluid.
7. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetic field is produced by a permanent, mobile or fixed magnet (3) which is associated with a shunt.
8. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the magnetic field is produced by an electromagnet which is controlled by an electric circuit.
9. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of clams 1 to 8, characterised in that the adjustment assembly (26) is disposed in the area of the runner (22).
10. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that the adjustment assembly (26) is disposed in a platform (220), the enclosure being disposed in the thickness of the platform, in the central area which is left free below the boot.
11. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the general axis (X, X') of the adjustment assembly (26) extends longitudinally on the vertical plane of general symmetry (P) of the ski.
12. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it comprises two adjustment assemblies (26a, 26b), which are disposed on the front (23) or rear (20) part of the base, beyond the central area of the runner (22).
13. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the two adjustment assemblies (26a, 26b) are disposed on both sides of the vertical plane of general symmetry (P) of the ski.
14. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the axes (X, X') of the adjustment assemblies (26a, 26b) are divergent.
15. Board for sliding on snow (100) according to claim 13, characterised in that the axes (X, X') of the adjustment assemblies (26a, 26b) are convergent.

Images