EP2602008B1 - Board for snow gliding - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of snow sliding sports, and particularly includes boards for skiing such as skis or snowboards. It is more particularly a structural element for making boards whose front and / or rear ends are lightened and partially translucent.

Previous techniques

In general, it is known that it may be advantageous to lighten the ends of a ski, or more generally of a gliding board by giving these ends a structure at least partially hollowed out. Such a construction is favorable in terms of ease of driving and maneuverability of the board. This advantage is all the more striking as the current trend is to manufacture skis ever wider, and with important spatula and heel readings

In some cases, this advantage can be highlighted visually and ensuring aesthetic effects related to the ability of these regions of the board to let the light, or generally to be more or less translucent. In this way, this type of gliding boards is clearly distinguished from the competing boards, by their remarkable weight distribution, possibly combined with an original external appearance.

Various solutions have already been proposed and in particular those described in the patent EP 0 706 411 which consists of making a ski from elements forming longitudinal boxes, made of transparent material. However, the lightening observed on this board is distributed over the entire board length, so that it is less sensitive than if it were concentrated in the ends. Moreover, the mechanical properties of such boards are directly dependent on the thickness of the walls of the various boxes, and for a degree of transparency high, it is conceivable that the mechanical strength may not be sufficient. In addition, such a structure is particularly difficult to manufacture.

Another example of this trend is illustrated by the paper US 2010/0187795 . The ski described in this document has a highly translucent spatula. At the spatula, the central structure of the board is hollowed out by an opening made in the core, or in a part incorporated in the board, in front of the core.

At this level, the board is of lesser thickness, and therefore has only its upper assembly and its sole, which are advantageously made of transparent material.

A disadvantage of this type of structure is that it generates stretching of the upper assembly near the boundaries of the recess, stretching which can degrade the aesthetic appearance, or may require the use of particular materials. Note especially that in this spatula, the structure of the board is greatly reduced which makes the latter more fragile.

The document WO 2009/000496 a snow sliding board according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

• un ensemble inférieur comportant une semelle bordée de carres
• une structure reposant sur cette semelle, et comportant au moins un noyau se prolongeant à l'avant et/ou à l'arrière par des éléments incorporés remontant aux extrémités recourbées de la planche
• un ensemble supérieur recouvrant cette structure interne, et en particulier les éléments incorporés.

The invention therefore relates to a board for gliding on snow comprising:

• a lower assembly having a sole edged with edges
• a structure resting on this sole, and having at least one core extending to the front and / or back by incorporated elements going back to the curved ends of the board
• an upper assembly covering this internal structure, and in particular the elements incorporated.

• les éléments incorporés présentent au moins une zone possédant une pluralité d'évidements traversant entre ses faces supérieures et inférieures, la surface desdits évidements représentant au moins 30% de la surface de cette zone ;
• l'extrémité avant et/ou arrière des carres latérales est située dans une zone en-deça de l'extrémité de la planche, à l'aplomb d'une portion pleine de l'élément incorporé.

According to the invention, this board is characterized in that:

• the incorporated elements have at least one zone having a plurality of recesses passing between its upper faces and lower, the area of said recesses representing at least 30% of the area of this area;
• the front and / or rear end of the side edges is located in an area below the end of the board, in line with a solid portion of the incorporated element.

In other words, the invention consists in making boards using a structural element located in front of or behind the core, and which has a recessed configuration, so as to allow lightening of the spatula or heel. This incorporated element has a specific shape that allows it to cover the ends of the edges, without forming extra thickness, and leaving them outside the recessed area, which accentuates the lightening.

Different variants can be envisaged with regard to the circumference of the characteristic incorporated element. Thus, in a first embodiment, the incorporated element may extend over the entire width of the board, so as to open laterally by a solid periphery, in particular in the realization of "sandwich" type structures.

In another variant embodiment, the periphery of the incorporated element may have a portion that borders the glide sole, beyond the front end of the edges. In other words, the peripheral portion of the incorporated element extends downwards, so as to form a recess in which is housed the front part of the sole.

In another symmetrical variant of the preceding but relating to the upper face, it is possible that the periphery of the incorporated element has a portion which borders the upper assembly. In other words, in its peripheral portion, the incorporated element extends upwards to open on the upper face of the ski by surrounding the upper assembly which is housed in a depression formed on the upper face of the incorporated element.

These last two variants can be combined when the incorporated element has a front or rear portion which forms the periphery of the front or rear end of the board. In other words, in its periphery, the incorporated element extends upwards and downwards to form a kind of hubcap on the end of the board.

In practice, the embedded element can be monolithic; or else result from the assembly of several elementary parts. In the latter case, it is possible that one of the parts of the incorporated element has a perforated structure, another of these parts then forming the full contour of the incorporated element.

Different variants may be envisaged with regard to the interlocking of the ends of the edges and the incorporated element. Thus, in a first variant, the incorporated element may have recessed areas directly above the edges, in which the ends of the edges are housed.

Different geometries concerning the edges can be envisaged. Thus, in a first variant, the edges can be interrupted sharply at a certain level of the coast line, in which case the corresponding hollow zone in the incorporated is on the edges of the latter.

In another variant, it is also possible that the side edges have ends that form a continuous arc from one edge to the other of the board. In other words, the edges extend away from the shoreline, and toward the longitudinal axis of the ski, at a level behind or in front of the front or rear end of the ski. board. In this case, the hollow area in the incorporated will have a corresponding shape in an arc.

In another intermediate variant, the edges can be interrupted after having departed from the coastline, without coming opposite one another.

Advantageously in practice, the upper assembly and / or the lower assembly may be made based on a translucent material, at least vertically above the perforated zones of the incorporated elements. In this way, the relief provided by the use of a perforated structure combines with a semi-transparent aesthetic effect of the front and / or rear ends.

In a particular embodiment, it is possible to provide a film, preferably translucent, resting at least on the perforated zone of the incorporated element, so as to prevent filling, recesses of the incorporated by the resins capable of flowing from reinforcements impregnated with the upper and / or lower assemblies.

According to a particular embodiment, the incorporated element may have several different thickness levels, and decreasing towards the end of the board, so as to receive different reinforcement layers having distinct lengths.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective sommaire montrant la structure éclatée d'une planche de glisse selon un premier mode de réalisation.
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessous de l'élément incorporé dans la structure de la planche de la figure 1, au niveau de la spatule.
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe de la planche de la figure 1, au niveau des plans III, III' et IV, IV' montrées à la figure 1.
• La figure 5 est une vue de dessous d'une variante de réalisation de l'élément incorporé, différant par la forme des extrémités des carres.
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective sommaire montrant la structure éclatée d'une planche de glisse selon un second mode de réalisation.
• la figure 7 est une vue de dessous de l'élément incorporé dans la structure de la planche de la figure 6, au niveau de la spatule.
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe partielle longitudinale de la planche de la figure 6, au niveau de la zone spatule.
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective sommaire d'une variante de réalisation de l'élément incorporé au niveau de la spatule.
• les figures 10 et 11 sont des vues en coupe d'une planche de glisse incorporant l'élément de la figure 9, au niveau des plans X, X' et XI, XI' de cette même figure 9.

The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a summary perspective view showing the exploded structure of a gliding board according to a first embodiment.
• the figure 2 is a bottom view of the element embedded in the structure of the board of the figure 1 , at the level of the spatula.
• the Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views of the board of the figure 1 , at the level of plans III, III 'and IV, IV' shown in figure 1 .
• The figure 5 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the incorporated element, differing in the shape of the ends of the edges.
• the figure 6 is a summary perspective view showing the exploded structure of a gliding board according to a second embodiment.
• the figure 7 is a bottom view of the element embedded in the structure of the board of the figure 6 , at the level of the spatula.
• the figure 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the board of the figure 6 , at the level of the spatula zone.
• the figure 9 is a brief perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the element incorporated in the spatula.
• the Figures 10 and 11 are sectional views of a gliding board incorporating the element of the figure 9 , at the level of the planes X, X 'and XI, XI' of this same figure 9 .

Way of realizing the invention

A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , which represents a gliding board 1 which comprises a lower assembly 2, composed of a sole 3 formed by the assembly of a central portion 4 forming the sliding sole itself, and a portion 5, 6 of 'end. This lower assembly 2 also comprises a pair of edges 8, 9 and a reinforcing layer 10 which extends over the entire length of the board, and which has in the illustrated form the deformations corresponding to the embedding of the edges 8, 9 , this reinforcement effectively covering the edges.

The board 1 also comprises an internal structure 13 composed of a core 14 extending over most of the board, and having ends 15 of trapezoidal shape, or more generally having a decreasing width towards the ends of the board . This central structure also comprises two songs 16, 17 placed on either side of the core and to be visible on the gliding board. The internal structure also comprises at level before an embedded element 20 whose rear end has a complementary cutout of the front end 15 of the core. In the form shown, the board 1 also has at the level of the heel an incorporated element 25 which similarly with the rear end of the core 14. The inner structure 13 is covered with an upper assembly 30 which in the illustrated form has a reinforcing layer 31 and an upper protective layer 32.

The embedded element 20 is illustrated in detail in the figure 2 . This element 20 has a shape corresponding to that of the front end of the board. In "sandwich" structure boards, this incorporated element 20 can advantageously be visible on the edges of the board, at the level of the spatula. In the "shell" structures, this incorporated element has a width slightly smaller than that of the board, to be able to be covered laterally by the upper assembly which joins the lower assembly along the coastline.

Depending on the characteristics of the invention, the embedded member 20 has a region 50 which is perforated and surrounded by an area 51 full device. The perforated zone 50 comprises a plurality of through recesses 52, separated by material bridges 53. The shape and arrangement of the through recesses can be very variable, since a sufficient degree of opening is obtained. By way of example, mention may be made of polygonal or circular, oval or other shapes. Within a given perforated zone, the distribution of the through recesses may be homogeneous or not. The degree of opening or opening is measured by the ratio between the overall surface of the through recesses, in top view, relative to the surface of the zone 50, leaving out the peripheral zone 51. These recesses can be identical on the same perforated area, or be different within the same area. They can also be identical or different from one zone to another. Of course, the openings can be arranged and sized to improve the mechanical strength of the element 20 incorporated in the most stressed areas. For a significant gain in terms of relief, we will favor a delay of more than 30%.

As already mentioned, the incorporated element 20 comprises in the rear part a trapezoidal cutout 21, corresponding to the shape complementary to the end. before the nucleus in the extension of which is the element incorporated 20 within the structure of the ski. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper phase of the incorporated element 20 may be flat, or as explained later have a certain relief.

On its underside, the embedded member 20 has two recessed areas or recesses 55, 56 arranged in vertical alignment with the end of the edges 8, 9. As shown in figure 3 , the depth of this recess 56 is intended to compensate for the thickness of the fin of the edge 12, which rests on the sole 5. Indeed, the reinforcement 10 which rests on the sole 5 has a deformation 11 corresponding to the zone covering the fin 12 and the bead of the edge 9 to the periphery of the ski. The presence of the recess 56 therefore makes it possible to compensate for the thickness of the edge without creating too great a stress on all the elements constituting the structure of the board at this level. This recess 56 is also present as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 in the rearmost part of the embedded element 20, at the point where it is in contact with the core 14. As illustrated in FIG. figure 2 this recess 56 is present to the end of the edge, and disappears beyond.

The figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the incorporated element, intended to cooperate with edges which are present only on the ski fields, and which stop without entering the interior of the structure.

In this case, the incorporated element 20 has two recesses 85, 86 present only on the lateral edges of the board, and which accommodates the edge ends which are substantially rectilinear.

The figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment in which the board 101 comprises a lower assembly 102 composed of a sole 103, edges 108 and a reinforcement 110. More precisely, the edge 108 is continuous and has rear portions and before 109 which are curved, and located at a level closer to the nip before that end of the board.

In practice, the edges 108 can be made from a single element which is curved in a loop configuration, or else of two distinct elements curved at their two ends, to come into contact with each other and form the configuration of the figure 6 . In this case, the edge 108 and more precisely its end 109 realizes the separation between the main portion 104 of the sliding sole and the end portions 105 and 106 located at the spatula and the heel. The front and rear ends of the edges may advantageously be located beyond the front and rear contact lines. These portions 105, 106 are advantageously translucent or transparent, in order to take advantage of the openwork structure of the characteristic incorporated element.

Plate 101 of the figure 6 also comprises an internal structure 113, composed in the same manner as for the previous example of a core 114 whose front end 115 is cut to fit into the rear cutout 121 of the built-in element 120. The same configuration can be adapted for the incorporated element 125 present at the heel. The upper assembly 130 of the board 101 is also formed in the illustrated example of a reinforcement 131 and an upper protective layer 132.

Given the continuous geometry of the edges 108, and the curved portion 109 connecting the two sides of the board, the embedded element 120, as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 comprises a recess 156 which has a shape similar to that of the edge 108, more precisely of the fin and the cord of this edge. Thus, as illustrated in figure 8 this recess 156 extends beyond the fin 112 and the bead of the edge 108, to compensate for the corresponding deformation 111 of the reinforcing layer 110 which covers the two parts of the sole 104, 105 and the edge 108. . Directly below this edge, the element 120 includes an embedded portion 127 that is full, so as to cover the edge and to prevent the latter is visible by transparency.

Complementarily, in front of the edge 108, the incorporated element comprises the through openings 152 which, combined with the translucent nature of the upper protective layer 131 reinforcements 132, 110 and the front portion of the sole 105 gives a translucent character on the spatula of the board. The embedded element may be made of a plastic material such as ABS, which may be a colored opaque material, or partially translucent, obtained for example by plastic injection.

An alternative embodiment of the incorporated element is illustrated in FIG. figure 9 . This incorporated element 220, as for the previous examples, a perforated zone 250 having through openings 252.

Similarly, the element 220 comprises recessed areas 256 intended to compensate for the extra thickness generated by the presence of the edge fins. Complementarily, the element 220 has a periphery 230 whose upper portion 231 is prominent with respect to the surface 232 of its central portion. Inside the protruding portion 231 can thus be inserted the front end of the upper assembly, which has a decreased width so that the portion 231 forms the periphery of the board in the front end. The upper portion 231 opens on the side of the upper face of the ski and can be aligned with it, or below or below it. Complementarily, the periphery 230 may have a lower portion 235, which borders the gliding sole (not shown in FIG. figure 9 ). More specifically, and as illustrated in figure 10 , the upper assembly 280 is inserted into the depression formed by the upper portions 231 of the periphery 230 of the incorporated element 220. In the front part, and as illustrated in FIG. figure 10 , the lower portions 235 of the element 220 come to frame and border the gliding sole 205 and the corresponding reinforcement 210 if necessary. Advantageously, the lower and upper parts could be beveled to facilitate the behavior, and make the board more manageable.

In the case where the upper assembly has a thickness which is not constant, due to a superposition of several layers of different length, the upper face of the embedded element may also have a stepped surface, compensating for thickness steps of the upper assembly. Further back, and as illustrated in figure 11 the element 220 has the recesses 256 which make it possible to receive the edge 208 and its fin, and to compensate for the deformation 211 of the reinforcing layer 210.

Of course, the shape of the different recesses can be adapted according to the geometry of edges. Similarly, the provisions presented for the board can be easily transposed to the rear end or the heel of the same board. As an indication, depending on the length of the spatula, the incorporated element may have a length of between 70 and 400 mm. In some embodiments, the incorporated element may extend to an intermediate level behind the tip of the spatula, possibly with a protection element of the end attached to the board. The incorporated element can be made by assembling several parts, for example of different materials.

It follows from the foregoing that the gliding boards according to the invention have the advantage of having a lightening at the front and / or rear ends, thanks to the presence of a built-in perforated element. This incorporated element also makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the structure of the board, by compensating for the effects of excess thickness due to the interruption of the edges. This advantage can be completed by a translucent character that gives a particular aesthetic aspect to the board

Claims (14)

1. Snow sliding board (1), comprising:

   - a lower unit (2) comprising a base (3) with edges (8, 9);

   - an internal structure (13) resting on the said base, and comprising at least a core (14) extending to the front and/or rear via an incorporated element (20, 25) fitted in the front and/or rear curved end of the board;

   - an upper unit (30) covering the said internal structure (13), and especially the said incorporated element (20, 25),
   characterised in that:

   - the incorporated element (20, 25) has at least one area (50) that has several transversal openings (52) between these upper and lower surfaces;

   - the front and/or rear ends of the lateral edges (8, 9) are located below the end of the board, in line with a full portion (55, 56) of the incorporated element.
2. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the surface of the transversal openings represents at least 30% of the surface of the said area (50) that has multiple transversal openings (52)
3. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the incorporated element (20, 25) extends over the entire width of the board and unblocks laterally.
4. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the perimeter of the incorporated element has a portion (235) that lines the running sole, beyond the front end of the edges.
5. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the perimeter of the incorporated element has a portion (231) that lines the upper unit.
6. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the incorporated element has a front or rear portion (230) that forms the perimeter of the front or rear end of the board.
7. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the incorporated element is formed by assembling multiple elementary parts.
8. Snow sliding board according to claim 7, characterised in that one of the parts of the incorporated element has a perforated structure and another of these parts forms the outline of the incorporated element.
9. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the incorporated element has a hollow area (55, 56) in line with the edges.
10. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the front and/or rear end of the lateral edges forms a continuous arch from one edge of the board to the other.
11. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the upper unit is basically made of a translucent material that is at least in line with the perforated areas of the said incorporated elements.
12. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower unit is basically made of a translucent material that is at least in line with the perforated areas of the said incorporated elements.
13. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a film that rests on at least the perforated area of the incorporated element.
14. Snow sliding board according to claim 1, characterised in that the incorporated element has several different levels of thickness, in descending order of thickness towards the direction of the end of the board, so that there can be different levels of reinforcement with distinct lengths.

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