EP2574378B1 - Binding for a boot on a glide board - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a binding of a shoe on a gliding board such as a ski or a surf, and a gliding board equipped with such a binding.

A shoe attachment to a gliding board generally includes a front retainer, referred to as a "stop", and a rear retainer, referred to as a "heel". The ski boot is inserted between the stop and the heel, these elements being fixed on the gliding board. Thus, the joint action of these two retaining devices makes it possible to longitudinally fasten the boot with the ski. To block the "vertical" movement of the shoe, the stop and the heel are equipped with stop means acting on the shoe.

There are different solutions to achieve a stop or a heel. For example, documents EP-A-241 360 , EP-A-1 151 765 or EP-A-2 174 695 describe various stopper embodiments. In these illustrations, the front retainer incorporates two wings forming a "V" whose branches partially overlap a forward extension of the ski boot, in a vertical direction. In addition, the underside of the sole of the boot is supported on a support plate attached to the ski. Consequently, the vertical immobilization of the boot at the stop is achieved by this double contact: on the one hand, by that between the upper face of the front extension of the shoe with the wings of the stop and, d on the other hand, by the one between the sole of the shoe with the support plate.

For safety reasons, the stop and heel piece often incorporates a safety mechanism to trigger the attachment when needed. These mechanisms allow the release of the foot of the user to avoid injury to the latter during an accidental transverse movement of his foot, encountered for example during a fall or in a general manner, to avoid that he- It does not hurt when the forces exerted on the shoe exceed previously determined values. Safety mechanisms for the stop are also described in the documents cited above.

Regarding ski boots, there are several types including shoes for downhill skiing and shoes for ski touring. These two categories are characterized, respectively, by the NF ISO 5355 and NF ISO 9523 standards. They are distinguished in particular by the dimensionality of the parts that interface with the elements of the fastener. Due to these large variations in dimensions, the bindings are specific to a shoe category.

Some stops include a mechanism for elastically adjusting the height, or vertical positioning, of their wings. This elastic means serves to compensate for small dimensional variations related to the realization of a shoe of the same category.

Similarly, there are fasteners whose support plate for interfacing with the sole of the shoe is mounted on an elastic means to compensate for the dimensional variations intrinsic to a shoe category.

Other stops are divided into two parts, the portion incorporating the wings being adjustable in height, via a set screw, relative to the other part fixed to the ski. This type of stop is complex and expensive. This stop is hardly compatible with a mechanism making it possible to make up for dimensional variations intrinsic to a category. This design does not cover large dimensional variations. In addition, this solution can be fragile because the part incorporating the wings is held only the adjusting screw. Moreover, the adjustment of the height of the wings to be compatible with a shoe category is not obvious because the adjustment is done continuously, via the screwing of the screw, without reference. It is therefore not easy to correctly adjust the height of the wings for a particular category of shoe. In addition, this type of adjustment to fit a shoe category is not convenient for the user because it is necessary to move the part incorporating the wings on a large race which involves several turns of screwdriver. Finally, the configured height can be disrupted relatively easily by acting on the adjusting screw.

FR 2646094 A1 discloses a binding of a boot on a gliding board comprising a retainer supporting an upper abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least one upper surface of a front portion of the boot; an inferior abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the sole of the boot, the lower abutment surface being connected to the retainer so as to define a height of engagement of the boot corresponding to the difference in height; between the upper abutment surface and the lower abutment surface, this height being adjustable by a screw on the front abutment.

It is to these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a fastening compatible with different categories of shoes, in which the same retaining device is used to make adaptable bindings to different categories of shoes.

One goal is to use the same front retainer to achieve adaptable bindings to different categories of shoes.

Another purpose is to allow a setting of the simple, robust and quick fixing to implement. More particularly, the invention makes it possible to modify the configuration of the binding to move from one category to another, by a direct, non-adjustable adjustment.

Another purpose is to use a restraint incorporating a mechanism for making up for dimensional variations intrinsic to a shoe category.

The invention proposes a fastening of a boot on a gliding board comprising a retaining device, a lower abutment surface and a shim. The retainer supports an upper abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least one upper surface of a front portion of the boot. The lower abutment surface is adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the sole of the boot. The lower abutment surface is connected to the retainer so as to define a shoe height corresponding to the difference in height between the upper abutment surface and the lower abutment surface. The shim is rigid and includes a set adjustment height. The shim is disposed relative to the retainer and the lower abutment surface so that the height adjustment of the shim height adjusts the height of grip.

The attachment is characterized in that the shim is directly integral with the retainer to change the vertical position of the upper abutment surface.

This solution makes it easy to switch from a configuration adapted to a shoe category to another configuration adapted to another shoe category by changing one piece, the shim raises, and keeping the same front retainer. In this case, the front retainer may be standard, simple, and compact. Thus, it is not necessary that this stop is adjustable over a wide range of height, which simplifies the design of this retainer and makes it more robust.

• La cale de rehausse relie le dispositif de retenue à la planche de glisse, la surface de butée inférieure étant directement relié à la planche de glisse.
• La cale de rehausse relie le dispositif de retenu à une embase solidaire de la planche de glisse, l'embase supportant la surface de butée inférieure.
• L'embase est mobile en rotation au tour d'un axe transversal par rapport à la planche de glisse.
• La cale de rehausse est disposée entre le dispositif de retenue et la partie avant de la chaussure
• Le dispositif de retenue comprend deux ailes équipées supportant la surface de butée supérieure, chaque aile équipée comprenant un support sur lequel est fixé, de manière amovible, la cale de rehausse formant la surface de butée supérieure.
• La cale de rehausse est fixée sur le support, sans désolidariser le dispositif de retenue de la planche de glisse.
• La cale de rehausse est montée sur une aile équipée selon une direction globalement parallèle aux surfaces de butées.
• Chaque aile équipée comprend un support dont une surface inférieure, faisant face à la surface de butée inférieure, est espacée verticalement de la surface de butée inférieure, lorsque le dispositif de retenue est solidarisé avec la planche de glisse, d'une distance supérieure ou égale à au moins deux valeurs différentes de la hauteur interface de chaussures spécifiques.
• Le dispositif de retenue comporte au moins un rouleau de guidage de la partie de la chaussure lors du déchaussage, monté rotatif autour d'un arbre.
• La cale de rehausse comprend au moins une encoche pour le passage de l'arbre supportant le rouleau.
• La cale de rehausse comprend des moyens de positionnement du rouleau.
• La cale de rehausse est montée sur l'aile équipée par encliquetage avec l'arbre.
• La cale de rehausse est fixée au dispositif de retenue par au moins une vis.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a fastener may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• The brace wedge connects the retainer to the gliding board, the lower abutment surface being directly connected to the gliding board.
• The raising wedge connects the retaining device to a base secured to the gliding board, the base supporting the lower abutment surface.
• The base is rotatable around a transverse axis relative to the gliding board.
• The hold-up wedge is disposed between the retainer and the front portion of the boot
• The retaining device comprises two equipped wings supporting the upper abutment surface, each equipped wing comprising a support on which is fixed, removably, the spacer block forming the upper abutment surface.
• The support wedge is fixed on the support, without separating the retaining device from the gliding board.
• The shim is mounted on a wing equipped in a direction generally parallel to the abutment surfaces.
• Each wing equipped comprises a support having a lower surface, facing the lower abutment surface, is spaced vertically from the lower abutment surface, when the retaining device is secured to the gliding board, a distance greater than or equal to at least two different values of the interface height of specific shoes.
• The retainer comprises at least one guide roller of the part of the shoe during the heaving, rotatably mounted around a shaft.
• The shim comprises at least one notch for the passage of the shaft supporting the roller.
• The raising wedge comprises means for positioning the roll.
• The shim is mounted on the wing fitted by snapping with the shaft.
• The shim is attached to the retainer by at least one screw.

The invention also relates to a gliding board equipped with such a fastener.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective partielle d'un ski équipé d'une butée connue ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique de côté d'un ski équipé de la partie antérieure d'une fixation adaptée pour être compatible avec une première catégorie de chaussure, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 dans laquelle la chaussure est illustrée ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique de côté d'un ski équipé de la partie antérieure d'une fixation adaptée pour être compatible avec une deuxième catégorie de chaussure, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique de côté d'un ski équipé de la partie antérieure d'une fixation adaptée pour être compatible avec une deuxième catégorie de chaussure, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique de côté d'un ski équipé de la partie antérieure d'une fixation adaptée pour être compatible avec une première catégorie de chaussure, selon un troisième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique de côté d'un ski équipé de la partie antérieure d'une fixation adaptée pour être compatible avec une deuxième catégorie de chaussure, selon un quatrième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'une première solution illustrant le troisième mode de la réalisation, la fixation comprenant deux ailes sur lesquelles sont fixées deux premières cales de rehausse;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective, sous un autre angle, de la fixation de la figure 8 avec l'une des deux premières cales démontée ;
• la figure 10 est une vue semblable à la figure 9 de la fixation de la figure 8, les deux premières cales étant remplacées chacune par une deuxième cale de rehausse ayant une épaisseur supérieure ;
• la figure 11 est une vue arrière d'une fixation conforme à une deuxième solution illustrant le troisième mode de la réalisation, cette fixation comprenant deux ailes sur lesquelles sont montées deux troisième cales de rehausse ;
• la figure 12 est une coupe partielle selon la ligne V-V à la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 est une vue analogue à la figure 9 de la fixation de la figure 11 ;
• les figures 14 à 16 sont des coupes partielles selon la ligne V-V à la figure 11 montrant l'une des troisièmes cales de rehausse, respectivement avant l'assemblage, en cours d'assemblage et assemblée avec une des ailes de la fixation.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the appended drawings illustrating, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention may be implemented, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a ski equipped with a known stop;
• the figure 2 is a schematic side view of a ski equipped with the front part of a binding adapted to be compatible with a first category of shoe, according to a first embodiment;
• the figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 in which the shoe is illustrated;
• the figure 4 is a schematic side view of a ski equipped with the front part of a binding adapted to be compatible with a second category of shoe, according to a first embodiment;
• the figure 5 is a schematic side view of a ski equipped with the front part of a binding adapted to be compatible with a second category of shoe, according to a second embodiment;
• the figure 6 is a schematic side view of a ski equipped with the front part of a binding adapted to be compatible with a first category of shoe, according to a third embodiment;
• the figure 7 is a schematic side view of a ski equipped with the front part of a binding adapted to be compatible with a second category of shoe, according to a fourth embodiment;
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of a first solution illustrating the third embodiment of the embodiment, the attachment comprising two wings on which are fixed two first shims;
• the figure 9 is a perspective view, from another angle, of the fixation of the figure 8 with one of the first two holds disassembled;
• the figure 10 is a view similar to the figure 9 fixing the figure 8 the first two shims each being replaced by a second shim with a higher thickness;
• the figure 11 is a rear view of a fastener according to a second solution illustrating the third embodiment of the embodiment, this attachment comprising two wings on which are mounted two third wedges raises;
• the figure 12 is a partial section along the line VV to the figure 11 ;
• the figure 13 is a view similar to the figure 9 fixing the figure 11 ;
• the Figures 14 to 16 are partial sections along the line VV to the figure 11 showing one of the third upstand wedges, respectively before assembly, being assembled and assembled with one of the wings of the fastener.

The Figures 1 to 16 show different embodiments of the front portion 10 of a fastener 1 of a shoe 2a or 2b on a ski 3.

The ski 3 is delimited by an upper face 31, on which the attachment 1 is fixed, and by a sliding face 32 which is opposite to the upper face 31 and which is in contact with the snow when using the ski 3 .

The attachment 1 comprises an anterior portion 10 and a posterior portion, not shown. The rear portion comprises a rear retainer, commonly called "heel". The front portion 10 comprises a front retainer 11, 11u, 11v, 11w, commonly called a "stop", a plate 12 and, depending on the desired configuration, a shim 131, 132, 133, 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b, 137a, 137b. Indeed, the use of the shim raises changes in the configuration of the binding so that the attachment is adapted to maintain a specific category of shoe.

There are different types of shoes 2a, 2b. In these examples, we have illustrated two categories of shoes: 2a shoes for alpine skiing and 2b shoes for ski touring. The dimensional of these shoes is standardized. This is the NF ISO 5355 standard for alpine shoes 2a and the NF ISO 9523 standard for hiking boots 2b. These standards characterize in particular the interface between the boot and the stop. They thus define an anterior extension 21 extending to the front of the shoe. This extension 21 comprises an upper surface 22. From this extension is listed an interface height Ha, Hb corresponding to the difference in height between the upper surface 22 and the lower surface 23 of the sole of the shoe, that is to say , the lower face of the shoe 2a, 2b. For alpine shoes, the standard requires an interface height Ha of 19 ± 1 mm for a shoe type A or 16.5 ± 1.5 mm for a shoe type C. For hiking boots, the standard requires a Hb interface height of 28 ± 3 mm.

The blocking of the vertical displacement of a shoe, that is to say, in a direction perpendicular to the upper face 31 of the ski 3, is provided by the attachment 1. At the front portion 10, the vertical stop in one direction is achieved by contact between the lower surface 23 of the sole of the shoe 2a, 2b and a lower abutment surface 121 delimiting the upper portion of a support plate 122 housed on a plate 12. The stop vertical in the other direction is obtained by a contact between the upper surface 22 of the extension 21 of the boot and an upper abutment surface 111 supported by the retainer 11, 11 u, 11 v, 11 w. The retaining device 11, 11 u, 11 v, 11 w and the plate 12 are connected, which makes it possible to define a height of engagement of the shoe P corresponding to the difference in height between the upper abutment surface 111 and the surface of the lower stop 121, as seen at figure 2 .

To ensure proper support of the shoe, it is therefore necessary that the height of grip P substantially correspond to the interface height Ha, Hb of the shoe. Advantageously, the retaining device 11, 11 u, 11 v, 11 w comprises a complementary means of elastic adjustment of the height of engagement. This complementary means, not shown, is known for bindings for alpine shoe and compensates for small dimensional variation in height. It is therefore possible to cover the standardized tolerance of the interface height, for example a tolerance of 2 mm indicated by the standard for the shoe for alpine skiing. This adjustment means must not compensate for greater variation because it would cause greater prestressing of the boot and therefore it could strongly penalize or even block the trigger mechanism of the stop. Consequently, this means of adjustment is not adapted to compensate for the variation of a category of alpine shoe to a category of hiking shoe since to obtain this change, a variation of more than 9 mm is required.

The abutment 11u, 11v, 11w is conventional. The figure 1 represents an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of this stop. The stop 11 u comprises a body 112 supporting two wings 113a, 113b, each being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis Y _113a , Y _113b . Each wing 113a, 113b has a lower surface 114a, 114b. These two lower surfaces 114a, 114b are substantially coplanar and substantially parallel to the upper face 31 of the ski 3. These two lower surfaces are vis-à-vis the upper face 31. The abutment 11 u also incorporates an adjustable trigger mechanism allowing to spread the wings under a determined lateral effort, thus freeing the shoe from the binding. Preferably, the abutment comprises a complementary means of elastic adjustment of the height of grip as we have seen previously. The body 112 of the abutment 11 u can be fixed directly on the ski 3 or on the plate 12, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

The Figures 2 to 4 represent a first embodiment of the invention.

The Figures 2 and 3 represent a first configuration of the binding adapted to retain a first category of shoes, in this case an alpine shoe 2a. According to this first configuration, the stop 11 u is directly fixed on the plate 12. The plate 12 is fixed on the ski 3. The support plate 122 is supported by the plate 12, disposed on the ski 3, at a later level at the stop 11 u. The upper support plate 122 forms the lower abutment surface 121 of the attachment. The abutment 11 u supports the upper abutment face 111 of the attachment. In this example, the upper abutment surface 111 corresponds to the lower surfaces 114a, 114b of the wings 113a, 113b of a stop as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 . The height of engagement P expresses the difference in height between the upper abutment surface 111 and the lower abutment surface 121. Thus configured, the height of engagement P is substantially equal to the interface height Ha characterizing an alpine shoe 2a.

To adapt the binding to another shoe category, a hiking shoe 2b, for example, the solution consists in inserting a shim 131 between the abutment 11 u and the plate 12. In a simplified version, this wedge raises 131 is a simple plate of thickness e1, as represented in the Figures 3 and 4 . Alternatively, the spacer is a more elaborate piece comprising, locally, an insert part intended to remove the stop of the plate. This insert part is characterized by a determined adjustment height. This insert part provides the interface between the abutment 11 u and the plate 12. As a result, it directly defines the P-grip height. The adjustment height corresponds to the thickness e1. Thus, the abutment 11 u is no longer directly fixed on the plate 12: the abutment 11 u is fixed on the shim 131 which itself is fixed on the plate 12. As a result, the position of the abutment surface upper 111 is modified. It is shifted vertically upwards, which has the effect of increasing the setting height P to be worth (Ha + e1), that is to say, the addition of the interface height Ha or the setting height of the first configuration with the dimension e1 of the upstand shim 131. Thus, the choice of the dimension e1 of the upstand wedge 131 is decisive in order to adjust the height of engagement P in this second configuration. It is therefore possible to obtain a new value of the grip height P substantially equal to the interface height Hb characterizing an alpine shoe 2b. The dimension e1 is substantially (Hb - Ha).

The figure 5 represents a second embodiment of the invention.

The second configuration of the attachment shown is adapted to retain a second category of shoe, in this case, a hiking shoe 2b.

This solution differs from the previous embodiment in that the abutment 11v is connected to the ski is no longer to the plate 12. According to this embodiment, the abutment 11v is fixed on a spacer block 132 having a height adjustment or e2 thickness, which itself is directly attached to the ski 3. The abutment 11v is slightly different from the first embodiment because the body 112 is a little higher. According to this second configuration, the pitch P is substantially equal to the interface height Hb.

To switch to the first configuration, that is to say, to obtain the attachment adapted to the category of alpine shoes 2a, simply remove the shim 132. The new height in P is then reduced by the dimension e2 and is therefore (Hb - e2), that is to say, the difference between the interface height Hb or the setting height of the second configuration with the dimension e2 of the raising wedge 132. It can be deduced that the dimension e2 is substantially (Hb - Ha) and therefore is equivalent to e1.

The figure 6 represents a third embodiment of the invention.

The first configuration of the attachment shown is adapted to retain a first category of shoe, in this case, an alpine shoe 2a.

This embodiment is characterized by the location of the shim 133. This shims between the abutment 11w and the extension 21 of the shoe 2a. Practically, the attachment comprises two shims 133, characterized, at least locally, by a height adjustment or thickness e3. Each shim may be attached to a lower surface 114a, 114b of a wing 113a, 113b of the front retainer 11w. Thus, for this embodiment, the lower faces of the raising wedge 133 form the upper abutment surface 111. The abutment 11w comprising the wings 113a, 113b therefore supports the upstands 133 integrating the upper abutment surface 111. In this example, the height of taken P, defined by the difference in height between the upper abutment surface 111 and the lower abutment surface 121, is substantially equal to the interface height Ha.

The abutment 11w is slightly different from the previous embodiments because the body 112 is a higher one. In this example, the abutment 11w is directly on the ski 3 and the plate 12, supporting the support plate 122, is also directly attached to the ski 3.

Note that the vertical position of the abutment 11w does not vary according to the configurations of the binding, unlike previous embodiments for which the abutment 11u, 11v lowers to be compatible with an alpine shoe 2a. By lowering the abutment 11u, 11v, it becomes more compact.

To switch to the second configuration, that is to say, to obtain the attachment adapted to the category of hiking shoes 2b, simply remove the shim 133. The new height in P is then increased by the rating e3 and is therefore (Ha + e3), that is to say, the addition of the interface height Ha or setting height of the first configuration with the dimension e3 of the upstand shim 133. It can be deduced that the dimension e3 is substantially (Hb - Ha) and therefore is equivalent to e1 and e2.

This variant is interesting because one can very easily add or remove the spacer block 133 without having to disassemble the stop as in the previous embodiments. Indeed, considering that the wedge 133 enhances is fixed on accessible parts when the binding is assembled to the ski, the change of configuration is facilitated.

This third embodiment is specified through the various solutions illustrated in the Figures 8 to 16 which will be detailed later.

These first three embodiments have a common feature in that the bearing surface 122 always maintains the same vertical position, regardless of the configuration of the attachment. This arrangement makes it possible to maintain a low position of the lower abutment surface 121, the closest to the sliding surface 32 of the ski. Such a setting makes it possible to maintain the spacing between the ski and the foot of the user to an invariable and reduced value, which favors the driving of the ski in a downhill position.

The figure 7 represents a fourth embodiment of the invention.

This embodiment is a variant of the second embodiment in which the raising wedge 132 and the plate 12 are fixed on a plate 14 movable in rotation about an axis X ₁₄ supported by a stirrup 15. The difference is therefore that the elements of the front part 10 of the binding are not directly attached to the ski 3 but are movable relative to the ski 3. This type of configuration is commonly used for the practice of ski touring.

The Figures 8 to 10 show a front portion 10 of a fastener 1 of a shoe 2a or 2b on a ski 3. The attachment 1 also comprises a rear portion, not shown, which comprises a rear retainer commonly called "heel".

The front portion 10 includes a front retainer 11, corresponding to the retainer 11w of the figure 6 , commonly known as a "stop", and a plate 12 which is fixed to the ski 3 and on which the stop 11 is fixed.

The ski 3 comprises a sliding surface 32 which in contact with the snow when the ski 3 is being used, as well as an upper face 31 which is parallel to the sliding surface 32 and on which the binding 1 is fixed. ski 3 extends along a median longitudinal axis X which passes through the abutment 11 and the heel. We define a Z axis of the ski 3, perpendicular and secant to the X axis and perpendicular to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3. When the sliding face 32 rests on a horizontal flat surface, the Z axis is vertical. Thus, in the following, the term "vertical" refers to a direction parallel to the Z axis.

For convenience, the description is oriented by considering that the terms "upper" and "high" correspond to a direction generally parallel to the Z axis and from the sliding face 32 to the upper face 31, that is to say say a direction directed towards the upper part of Figures 8 to 10 , while the terms "lower" and "lower" correspond to an opposite direction.

The description is oriented considering that the terms "front" and "front" correspond to a direction generally parallel to the axis X and from the heel to the stop 11, that is to say a direction directed towards the part left of Figures 8 to 10 , while the terms "back" and "posterior" corresponding to an opposite direction.

The plate 12 comprises a support plate 122 having a lower abutment surface 121 facing upwards and generally parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3.

Each shoe 2a and 2b has a lower face 23 of the sole. A front extension 21 of the boot 2a is delimited vertically, along the Z axis, between the front end of the lower face 23 and an upper surface 22 generally parallel to the lower face 23.

The abutment 11 comprises a body 112 supporting two similar wings 113a and 113b, each rotatable relative to the body 112 about the axis Z. In plan view, the wings 113a and 113b form a "V" whose tip is forward facing ski 3.

For convenience and to simplify the reading of the description and the drawings, only one wing 113b is described, it being understood that the structure of the second wing 113a is symmetrically identical with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the X and Z axes. It should be understood that the wing 113a has characteristics similar to those of the wing 113b described below.

The wing 113b comprises a support 1130b, a wedge 135b, a means 14b for fixing the wedge 135b up on the support 1130b, two rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 and two shafts 1135b1, 1135b2. In the following, the wings 113a and 113b are qualified wings "equipped", since they comprise at least one of the elements described above.

The support 1130b extends along an axis Y113b, perpendicular and secant to the Z axis and forming a variable angle with the X axis depending on the rotation of the equipped wing 113b about the Z axis.

The support 1130b has an upper wall 1131b and a lower wall 1132b generally parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3, and an anterior wall 1133b generally perpendicular to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3. Thus, the support 1130b has a section overall "C" shaped. The upper part 1131b has a bottom surface S1131b which faces downwards towards the plate 12.

The width of the support 1130b is measured along an axis perpendicular to the axis Y113b, in a plane parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3. The height of the support 1130b is measured along the axis Z. The width of the upper wall 1131b is greater than the width of the bottom wall 1132b. Thus, the lower surface S1131 b comprises a rear portion which faces the plate 12.

Support 1130b includes a medial or proximal roll 1134b1 and a side or distal roll 1134b2. These two rollers, circular cylindrical and cylindrical, are each rotatably mounted around a shaft 1135b1, 1135b2 mounted substantially vertically on the support 1130b, that is to say, generally parallel to the Z axis. The median roller 1134b1 is closer to a longitudinal median plane of the ski 3, passing through the X and Z axes, than the lateral roller 1134b2.

The wedge 135b can be rigid in the sense that it deforms little, or does not deform, when it is subjected to forces that have an intensity close to the stresses imposed by the shoes 2a and 2b under standard conditions of use. . For the purposes of the present application, a part deforms little if its dimensions vary less than 5%.

According to this embodiment, the wedge 135b forms a "T" defined by a raising portion 1354b and a fastening tab 1351b extending perpendicularly to the raising portion 1354b at its center.

The bracket 1351b has a hole 1352b provided for the passage of a fixing screw 14b. This fixing screw 14b is the fixing means of the wedge 135b enhances support 1130b. The screw 14b thus makes it possible to make the wedge 135b integral with the support 1130b, in a removable manner. The front wall 1133b of the support 1130b has a rear surface S1133b, turned towards the rear of the ski, that is to say, towards the shoe 2a or 2b. This posterior surface S1133b comprises a tapping 1136b for fixing the screw 14b, formed between the two rollers 1134b1, 1134b2. The axis of tapping 1136b extends in the direction of the width of the support 1130b, that is to say, perpendicular to the axis Y113b or to the front wall 1133b. The bracket 1351b of the wedge 135b has a rear surface S1351b facing the rear of the ski 3, opposite the front wall 1133b.

The fixing lug 1351b of the wedge 135b is pressed against the posterior surface S1133b of the anterior wall 1133b of the support 1130b, which promotes the stability of the positioning of the wedge 135b. This also makes it possible to have a relatively large thickness of material for making the tapping 1136b and thus promotes the strength of the fixing of the wedge 135b.

The extension portion 1354b is substantially planar and extends perpendicularly to the rear surface S1351b of the bracket 1351b. The raising portion 1354b extends in the direction of the width of the support 1130b, that is to say in a plane parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3 or in a plane perpendicular to the rear surface S1133b of the wall former 1133b of the support 1130b. The extension portion 1354b is positioned between the upper 1131b and lower 1132b walls of the support 1130b, in contact with a lower surface S1131b of the upper wall 1131b. The extension portion 1354b has a geometry substantially identical to that of the upper wall 1131b of the support 1130b, so as to cover the bottom surface S1131b of the support.

The extension portion 1354b has a medial or proximal notch 1355b1 and a lateral or distal notch 1355b2 for the passage of the shafts 1135b1 and 1135b2 supporting the rollers 1135b1 and 1134b2.

The extension portion 1354b of the wedge 135b has an upper abutment surface 111 facing downwards, facing each other, which can be offset, in a horizontal plane, from the lower abutment surface 121 of the plate 12.

When using the attachment 1, the front extension 21 of the shoe 2a cooperates with the fitted wings 113a, 113b of the abutment 11 and with the support plate 112. When donning, the front extension 21 away equipped wings 113a and 113b from each other, coming into contact with the rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 and the like rollers of the equipped wing 113a. Thus, in normal operation, the lateral and forward horizontal displacement of the boot 2a is limited only by the rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 and the like. As a result, the rear surface S1351 b of shims 135b is always recessed, forwards, with respect to a geometrical plane passing through the generatrices of the rolls which define rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 and which are in contact with the shoe when it is attached to the ski 3.

Furthermore, the vertical displacement of the front extension 21 is limited in one direction and the other by the abutment surfaces 111 and 121. These two surfaces 111 and 121 define a gripping height P. The sole 23 rests against the lower abutment surface 121 and the upper surface 22 of the front extension 21 is substantially locked up by the upper abutment surfaces 111, to the operating clearance.

The rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 and the like promote the heaving, that is to say, the lateral exit of the front extension 21 of the boot 2a or 2b out of the abutment 11, thanks to a safety mechanism.

In our example, the shoe 2a illustrates an alpine shoe whereas the shoe 2b illustrates a hiking shoe in accordance with the standards respectively NF ISO 5355 and NF ISO 9523. It is noted that the interface height Ha of the alpine shoes 2a is less than the height Hb of the hiking shoes 2b.

As we have seen previously, the locking of the vertical displacement of a shoe 2a or 2b, along the Z axis, is provided by the attachment 1. At the front portion 10, the downward vertical stop is made by a contact between the sole 23 of the shoe 2a or 2b and the lower abutment surface 121. The upward vertical stop is obtained by a contact between the upper surface 22 of the extension 21 of the shoe 2a or 2b and the upper abutment surface 111. The engagement height P of the abutment 11 is equal to the difference in height between the surfaces 121 and 111, measured along the Z axis.

To ensure a good maintenance of the shoe 2a or 2b, it is therefore necessary that the grip height P is substantially equal to the interface height Ha or Hb of the shoe, the operating clearance, to facilitate the boot of the shoe.

Optionally, the retaining device 11 comprises a complementary means of elastic adjustment of the height of engagement P as previously described.

The holds 135a and 135b of the figures 8 and 9 have an identical height of adjustment or thickness, measured at the extension portion 1354b or the like, along the Z axis. The dimension e135 determines a first grip height Pb adapted to retain a first category of shoe, the occurrence a hiking shoe 2b.

To the figure 10 the shims 135a and 135b are replaced by two shims 136a and 136b which are generally similar to the shims 135a and 135b of the shims 135a and 135b. figures 8 and 9 . The wedges 136a and 136b are distinguished from the wedges 135a and 135b by the adjustment height or thickness e136 of their extension parts 1364b and the like which is strictly greater than the dimension e135 of the wedges 135a and 135b. The wedges 136a and 136b define a second engagement height Pa less than the engagement height Pb and adapted to retain the alpine ski boot 2a.

When the user wishes to use the binding 1 for ski touring boots 2b, he puts in place the wedges 135a and 135b and fixed with the screws 14a and 14b. If the user subsequently wishes to use alpine ski boots 2a, he removes the wedges 135a and 135b by unscrewing the screws 14a and 14b and replaces them with the wedges 136a and 136b which have a larger dimension e136.

The wedges 135a, 135b, 136a and 136b are easily dismountable, without the need to disassemble the abutment 11. This easy disassembly is illustrated, for example, with the wedge 135b. Thanks to the arrangement of the bracket 1351b, between the rollers 1134b1, 1134b2 of the equipped wing 113b, the screw 14b is directly accessible without the need to disassemble a portion of the abutment 11 to access it. When disassembling the screw 14b, the screwdriver is placed horizontally, parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3, and no part of the ski 3 or the attachment 1 does not interfere with its handling. The wings 113a and 113b are adapted to receive a shim enhancement, in the sense that the supports 1130b and equivalent are specially designed to receive a shim.

The notches 1355b1 and 1355b2 of the wedge 135b are each bordered by a raised rib 1355c extending downwardly and bearing against the upper face of the rollers 1134b1 and 1134b2. This contact promotes a correct positioning of the rollers and the maintenance of the rollers, which increases their rigidity and increases the life of the fastener 1. This correct positioning of the rollers also allows improved operation of the safety mechanism during the heaving.

The extension portion 1364b of the hold 136b of the figure 10 comprises two semicircular cutouts 1367c which surround the upper part of the side wall of the rollers 1134b1 and 1134b2. The cutouts 1367c hold each roll on either side, in a direction perpendicular to the trees. This contact also promotes correct positioning of the rollers and the maintenance of the rollers.

One advantage of this binding is that it can be easily adapted to different categories of shoes, by simply changing a shim, while keeping the same retainer 11. For this purpose, each fitted wing 113a, 113b comprises a support S1130b whose surface bottom S1131 b, facing the lower abutment surface 121, is spaced vertically, i.e., along the Z axis, from the lower abutment surface 121, when the retainer 11 is secured to the gliding board 3, a distance P11 greater than or equal to at least two different values of interface heights Ha, Hb of specific shoes 2a, 2b. In other words, the distance P11 is both greater than or equal to the interface height Ha and greater than or equal to the interface height Hb. In the embodiment of the figure 8 , the distance P11 is greater than the two heights interface Ha, Hb. Thus, the distance P11 is greater than 28 ± 3 mm.

Alternatively, the distance P11 is equal to the greater of the interface heights Ha, Hb, in this case Hb, in the present case. This variant makes it possible to need only one set of shims, to adapt to the shoe 2a. Thus, when the attachment 1 is used for a hiking shoe 2b, the stop 11 is used without a wedge enhancement and has a grip height Pb substantially equal to the interface height Hb. The shoe 2b is then retained at the top by the lower surface S1131b of the support 1130b. When the binding 1 is used for an alpine ski boot 2a, the user sets up a shim so that the abutment 11 defines a setting height Pa less than the setting height Hb. This attachment also makes it possible to adapt to more than two categories of shoes, by using at least two sets of shims having different thicknesses. In this case, the distance P11 must be greater than or equal to the greatest interface height among the compatible shoes.

The attachment 1 is aesthetic, as illustrated with the wing equipped 113b. The screw 14b is not exposed to view when the shoe is placed in the abutment because it is concealed by the support 1130b of the wing equipped. In addition, once the shoe 2a or 2b attached to the ski 3, the screw 14b is protected between the support 1130b and the shoe 2a or 2b. Moreover, by being arranged between the support 1130b and the shoe 2a or 2b, the wedge 135b can not disassemble accidentally, during the practice of skiing.

The use of a screw 14b to fix the wedge 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b strengthens the hold in place of the wedge on the support 1130b. One can consider using a specific screw head to avoid disassembly of the screw by an unwanted person.

The shims 135a, 135b, 136a and 136b being reported, it is possible to choose different materials for the supports 1130b and the like and for the shims 135b, 136b and the like. For example, the wedge 135b can be made from a synthetic material promoting a good slip of the shoe 2a or 2b for triggering the safety mechanism during the heaving, while the support 1130b can be made from a metal alloy having a high mechanical strength adapted to withstand the forces transmitted by the shoe 2a or 2b to the fastener 1.

The Figures 11 to 16 show a second solution for carrying out this third embodiment of the invention, in which the wedges 135a, 135b, 136a and 136b are replaced by shims 137a and 137b designed to be fixed without using a fixing screw, that is to say that is to say without using reported fastening means, fixing wedges being provided by the intrinsic geometry of the wedges. The shims 137a and 137b are removably attached to a stop 11 identical to the abutment 11 of the Figures 8 to 10 , except that the abutment 11 according to the second solution does not include tapping 1136b.

As before, this second solution is illustrated through the description of a single equipped wing 113b. It is understood that the features described below also apply to the wing equipped 113a.

The shim 137b is generally in the form of a "1" defined by a portion of extension 1374b, a lower portion 1376b and a middle portion 1371b connecting the extension portion to the lower portion 1376b. The lower portion 1376b of the wedge 137b is closer to the ski 3 than the extension portion 1374b. The middle part 1371b of the shim 137b extends parallel to the Z axis and has a rear surface S1371b turned away from the front wall 1133b of the support 1130b.

The extension portion 1374b and the lower portion 1376b are substantially flat and extend parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3, once assembled on the support 1130b. The shim 137b also has a lateral reinforcement 1377b which connects the extension portion 1374b with the lower portion 1376b and which extends at the lateral end of the shim 137b. This lateral reinforcement 1377b strengthens the holding of the hold 137b and serves as a plug for disassembly of the hold 137b. The raising portion 1374b of the shim 137b has a substantially flat upper abutment surface 111, extending parallel to the faces 31 and 32 of the ski 3 and facing downwards, facing each other, being displaceable in a plane horizontal, of the lower abutment surface 121 formed by the plate 12.

The lower part 1376b of the shim 137b is narrower, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to the axis Y113b, the raising portion 1374b. Thus, a rear portion of the extension portion 1374b extends opposite the plate 12.

The extension portion 1374b and the lower portion 1376b of the wedge 137b each comprise a central notch 1375b1 and a lateral notch 1375b2 for the passage of the shafts 1135b1 and 1135b2 supporting the rollers 1134b1 and 1134b2. The middle notch 1375b1 is oriented in the direction of the length of the shim 137b, while the lateral notch 1375b2 is oriented perpendicular to the length of the shim 137b. Thus, the median notch 1375b1 is perpendicular to the lateral notch 1375b2.

As for the first embodiment, the vertical displacement of the front extension 21 of the boot 2b is limited at the top by the upper abutment surfaces 111 of the wedges 137a and 137b, and at the bottom by the lower abutment surface 121 of the Platinum 12. As previously, in normal operation, the lateral and forward lateral displacement of the boot is only limited by the rolls of the fitted wings 113a and 113b.

The extension portion 1374b of the shim 137b has a height of adjustment or thickness e137, measured along the axis Z, which determines a gripping height Pb, as defined above, adapted to retain a first category of shoe, in the occurrence a hiking ski boot 2b.

The Figures 14, 15 and 16 illustrate the implementation of the wedge 137b on the wing 113b, it being understood that the user proceeds in a similar manner for the hold 137a.

In a first step, the wedge 137b is presented parallel to the axis X, so that the central notch 1375b1 is oriented towards the front of the ski 3 and towards the shaft 1135b1 which receives the median roller 1134b.

In a second step, the user advances the shim 137b to the median shaft 1137b1, in a translation movement parallel to the X axis represented by the arrow A1 at the figure 7 . The median shaft 1137b1 is placed in abutment at the bottom of the central notch 1375b1.

In a third step, the user rotates the wedge 137b around the median shaft 1135b1, so as to bring the side shaft 1135b2 into the lateral notch 1375b2. The wedge 137b is then fixed to the support 1130b. The geometry of the side notch 1375b is adapted to removably attach the wedge 137b to the side shaft 1375b2. Advantageously, the wedge 137b is not completely rigid to allow elastic deformation at the lateral notch 1375b.

To separate the wedge 137b from the support 1130b, simply repeat the steps above in the reverse order, by pivoting the wedge 137b in the other direction and translating it in the opposite direction.

The notches 1375b1 and 1375b2 constitute first fixing means of the wedge 137b on the support 1130b, which cooperate by snapping with complementary fixing means formed by the shafts 1135b2 mounted on the support 1130b.

To attach an alpine ski boot 2a to the abutment 11, the wedges 137a and 137b are removed and are replaced by two other wedges, not shown, similar to the wedges 137a and 137b and having a thickness greater than the thickness e137 of the wedges 137a and 137b. These other wedges then define a pitch Pa less than the set height Pb.

Again, once the shoe 2a or 2b attached to the ski 3, the wedge 137b is locked between the support 1130b and the shoe 2a or 2b, parallel to the axis X, which prevents the wedge 137b to disassemble accidentally, when skiing.

This second solution is simple and makes it possible to fix the shims 137a, 137b without additional fastening means such as screws. Indeed, the perpendicular orientation of the first notch 1375b1 relative to the other notch 1375b2 ensures the holding in place of the wedge 137b. The shims can thus be mounted without requiring the use of a tool.

For these solutions, it is noted that the adjustment heights or thicknesses e135, e136, e137 of the extension portions 1354b, 1364b, 1374b and the like of the wedges 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b, 137a, 137b make it possible to adjust the vertical position of of the upper stop surface 111.

The invention is described through wings 113a, 113b equipped with rollers but it is not limited to this type of construction and also covers stops without rollers.

The riser portions 1354b, 1364b, 1374b and the like correspond to the insert portion of the riser block 133 of the third embodiment described in FIG. figure 6 .

In the context of the invention, the solutions described can be combined with each other, at least partially.

The various embodiments have been described to fit two categories of shoes, alpine shoes and hiking shoes. Of course, the invention can be extended to other categories of shoes intended to be fixed on a gliding board. Likewise, the invention extends to any dimensional evolution of the evoked norms.

All these embodiments have a simple adjustment of the binding to fit different shoe categories. The addition of a rigid spacer block having a determined adjustment height reduces the time required to adjust the P-grip height. Thus, for an enhancement wedge corresponds to a shoe category. Once configured, the fixture can not be disrupted. The setting is stable and assured.

To fix the raising wedge, any means can be envisaged. It can be by screw, by clipping ... with or without tools. The solutions described in Figures 8 to 16 are an illustration of this. Alternatively, the shim can be assembled to the stop via a slide connection.

In some embodiments ( figure 1 to 7 ), the adjustment of the retaining device for a first category of shoe requires at least one shim while the adjustment of the retaining device for a second category of shoe does not require no shim raises. Alternatively, the binding may be designed so that at least one other shim is also required in order to adjust the retaining device for the second category of shoes (cf. Figures 8 to 16 ).

The principle of adjustment wedge raiser can also be applied to other parts of the binding such as the rear portion comprising the heel.

In the context of the invention, the technical characteristics of the variants and described can be combined with each other, at least partially. For example, the raising wedge may be a simple plate or a more elaborate piece having an insert part. This insert part is positioned so as to size the height of grip P.

Claims (15)

1. Binding (1) for a boot (2a, 2b) on a snowsports board (3), comprising:

   - a retaining device (11, 11u, 11v, 11w) supporting an upper stop surface (111) that is able to be in contact with at least one upper surface (22) of a front portion (21) of the boot (2a, 2b),

   - a lower stop surface (121) that is able to be in contact with at least one portion (23) of the sole of the boot (2a, 2b), the lower stop surface (121) being connected to the retaining device (11, 11u, 11v, 11w) so as to define an engagement height (P) of the boot (2a, 2b) corresponding to the difference in height between the upper stop surface (111) and the lower stop surface (121),

   - a rigid raising wedge (131, 132, 133, 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b, 137a, 137b) having at least locally an insert portion having a predetermined adjustment height (e1, e2, e3, e4, e135, e136, e137), the raising wedge (131, 132, 133) being arranged, with respect to the retaining device (11, 11u, 11v, 11w) and the lower stop surface (121), such that the adjustment height (e1, e2, e3, e4, e135, e136, e137) of the raising wedge makes it possible to adjust the engagement height (P),

   characterized in that
   the raising wedge (131, 132, 133, 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b, 137a, 137b) is secured directly to the retaining device (11, 11u, 11v, 11w) so as to modify the vertical position of the upper stop surface (111).
2. Binding (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the raising wedge (132) connects the retaining device (11v) to the snowsports board (3), the lower stop surface (121) being connected directly to the snowsports board (3).
3. Binding (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the raising wedge (131) connects the retaining device (11u, 11v) to a base (12, 14) that is secured to the snowsports board (3), the base (12, 14) supporting the lower stop surface (121).
4. Binding (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (14) is able to rotate about a transverse axis (X₁₄) with respect to the snowsports board (3).
5. Binding (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the raising wedge (133, 135a, 135b, 136a, 136b, 137a, 137b) is arranged between the retaining device (11, 11w) and the front portion (21) of the boot (2a, 2b).
6. Binding (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the retaining device (11, 11w) comprises two fitted wings (113a, 113b) supporting the upper stop surface (111), each fitted wing (113a, 113b) comprising a support (1130a, 1130b) on which is removably attached the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b; 137a, 137b) forming the upper stop surface (111).
7. Binding (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b; 137a, 137b) is attached to the support (1130a, 1130b) without detaching the retaining device (11, 11w) from the snowsports board (3).
8. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b; 137a, 137b) is mounted on the fitted wing (113a, 113b) in a direction that is generally parallel to the stop surfaces (111, 112).
9. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that each fitted wing (113a, 113b) comprises a support (1130b) of which a lower surface (S1131b), that faces the lower stop surface (121), is spaced vertically apart from the lower stop surface (121) when the retaining device (11, 11w) is secured to the snowsports board (3), by a distance greater than or equal to at least two different values of the interface height (Ha, Hb) of specific boots (2a, 2b).
10. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the retaining device (11, 11w) comprises at least one roller (1134b1, 1134b2) for guiding the portion (21) of the boot (2a, 2b) when unclipping, which roller is mounted so as to be able to rotate about a shaft (1135b1, 1135b2).
11. Binding (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b; 137a, 137b) comprises at least one notch (1355b1, 1355b2; 1375b1, 1375b2) through which the shaft (1135b1, 1135b2) supporting the roller (1134b1, 1134b2) is to pass.
12. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b; 137a, 137b) comprises means (1355c) for positioning the roller (1134b1, 1134b2).
13. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the raising wedge (137a, 137b) is mounted on the fitted wing (113a, 113b) by snap-fitting with the shaft (1135b1, 1135b2).
14. Binding (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the raising wedge (135a, 135b; 136a, 136b) is attached to the retaining device (11, 11w) by at least one screw (14a).
15. Snowsporte board fitted with a binding (1) as defined in one of the preceding claims.

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