EP2636433A1 - Ski binding with indication of the boot middle - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a mechanical indication unit (8) indicating a reference point (9) determined by a pre-defined proportion between a distance between a front reference frame associated with a stop (2) and the reference point and a distance between the reference point and a rear reference frame associated with a heelpiece (3). The stop and the heelpiece are guided by slides (5) so as to be moved along a longitudinal axis of a gliding device. An adjustment unit adjusts a longitudinal position of the stop or the heelpiece with respect to the device.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for fixing shoes on a gliding machine.

To obtain optimal gliding performance, it is important to position the athlete's shoe in relation to the gliding device. This positioning is directly defined by the shoe attachment device. In the field of alpine skiing, to properly position the fastening device on a ski, it is common to refer to the middle of the shoe. This term generally refers to the middle of the normalized length of an alpine ski boot sole. Thus, it is usual to have a marker, "middle of shoe" on the ski. This mark is determined, following tests, to indicate to the editor where he must place the fastening device so that, when the ski boot is engaged with the fastening device, the ski boot of the ski boot is substantially aligned with the "middle of boot" mark of the ski. Thus configured, the skier will benefit from the best performance of skiing in the current situations of alpine skiing.

It will be noted hereinafter "shoe attachment medium", the position, with respect to the ski, of the ski boot of the ski boot obtained by a determined adjustment of the fastening device and "ski boot medium", the position of the marker on the ski the recommended location of the middle of the shoe to obtain a good behavior of the ski in specific conditions.

For some alpine skiing practices, it may be advantageous not to align the boot binding medium on the ski boot medium. In this case, the binding is configured to introduce a shift towards the front or the rear of the binding boot middle with respect to the ski boot medium. For example, by shifting the shoe center fixation towards the front of the ski, one can improve the handling at the expense of stability. In this configuration, the ski will tend to turn more easily. On the other hand, shifting the boot mid-mount towards the back of the ski can be beneficial to stability when the skier descends into a powdery snow, reducing his risk of tipping forward. However, it must be measured because excessive lag can have a negative effect. Thus, the skier can adjust the adjustment of his shoe position with respect to the ski according to his desires, the sensations he seeks, the ski practice he is considering, by example groomed trail or powder snow. The effect of this shift between the binding shoe medium and the ski boot medium is all the more marked as the "contact length" is small, that is to say, that the length of the zone of the shoe is ski sole in contact with the snow is reduced.

In general, the attachment devices are assembled to the ski using a template that is positioned relative to the reference "shoe center" of the ski. The template is used to drill holes in the board for fastening screws of a front retainer, the stopper, and a rear retainer, the heel. In the case of a fastener provided with non-adjustable retaining elements, this step is essential since it will characterize the behavior of the ski in use. To be more versatile, there are many fasteners including means for adjusting the position of the stop and / or the heel relative to the ski. In addition to the adaptation of a binding for a specific shoe size, these adjustment means also make it possible to adjust the binding shoe medium.

In general, one could categorize the known adjustment means by a first group that allows an individual adjustment of the stop and / or the heel, by a second group that allows a simultaneous adjustment of the stop and the heel, and by a third group which allows adjustment of the position of a subassembly comprising the stop and the heel.

When an alpine ski is equipped with means for adjusting the first group, the adjustment of the spacing between the abutment and the heel of the binding causes a shift of the binding boot medium with respect to the ski boot medium. To overcome this discrepancy, the user can manually correct it, by iterating the adjustment of the position of the abutment, respectively of the heel piece, in order to maintain the desired relative position between the fastening shoe medium and the ski boot medium, only if the stop and heel positions are adjustable. Specifically, each iteration consists of mounting the alpine ski boot on the binding, then to observe the relative position between the actual shoe medium indicated by a mark on the sole of the shoe and the ski boot medium. If there is an offset from the target value, the shoe is removed, then the abutment and heel are moved the same distance, in the same direction. Then, the user repeats the previous operation until the desired setting is obtained. If the first group of adjustment means mentioned above obviously allows a setting of the shoe center setting relative to the ski boot medium, this adjustment is complicated, long, and imprecise, because it requires iteration of the adjustment of the positions of the stop and the heel In addition, this adjustment requires the use of a shoe whose size is the target, which further complicates the work of the editor. Indeed, it is not necessarily available, when adjusting the binding, the good shoe size useful for this configuration operation.

When an alpine ski is equipped with adjustment means of the second group, the adjustment of the spacing between the abutment and the heel of the binding does not normally cause an offset of the binding boot medium with respect to the ski boot medium, since the abutment and the heel are symmetrically moved away or closer. This second group of adjusting means suffers, however, because of its operating principle, the disadvantage of not allowing adjustment of the boot medium setting relative to the ski boot medium. This type of attachment is therefore ideal for changing the size adjustment of a binding which is for example sought for fasteners for rental. This type of attachment is therefore limited to the relative position between the binding shoe and the ski boot medium which is chosen originally, when mounting the binding on the ski (thanks to the template). Consequently, if it is desired to modify this relative position, it is necessary to disassemble the fastener and reassemble it in a different position, which represents a heavy, long, and expensive operation. In addition, this adjustment requires the use of a shoe at the right size or templates, which further complicates the work of the editor as mentioned above.

When an alpine ski is equipped with means for adjusting the third group, it is then possible to adjust the position of the subassembly comprising the stop and the heel. This type of adjustment makes it possible to adjust the relative position between the binding shoe center and the ski boot medium, while maintaining a determined spacing, therefore, a setting for a given size. However, this type of attachment does not include any benchmark of the shoe attachment medium. Accordingly, adjustment of said relative position requires mounting a shoe on the binding to know the location of the actual shoe medium indicated by the mark on the sole of the shoe. This type of attachment is advantageous, especially if it is coupled with adjustment means of the first or second group. However, this type of adjustment requires the use of a shoe, which further complicates the work of the editor as mentioned above.

The solutions of the prior art currently known in the field of ski bindings therefore do not allow, to the knowledge of the applicant and in particular after the adjustment of the size of the binding, to adjust the boot of the boot relative to the middle of ski shoe in a simple, fast, and precise way. It is particularly desirable to be able to perform this kind of adjustment, in the case of a change of size, without the need to put a shoe of the new size in the target fixing, to facilitate the work of the editor. In addition, it would be useful if the boot binding medium could be adjusted in a well defined manner in several different positions relative to the ski boot medium.

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of known ski bindings and to achieve the aforementioned advantages, in particular to allow the realization of a ski binding which offers a simple, fast and precise adjustment of the position of the ski. shoe compared to the gliding apparatus and in particular, the middle of the shoe fixation relative to the ski boot medium.

Another object is to facilitate the adjustment of the user-defined boot medium without requiring the use of a shoe.

Another object of the present invention is to be able to achieve this adjustment by providing several different but well-defined positions of the middle of the shoe fixation relative to the ski boot medium, so that the user can customize in a simple way the location of the shoe on the ski.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ski binding having adjustment means optimally adapted to the achievement of the aforementioned adjustments, these adjustment means being of robust construction as well as simple, fast, and reliable at their disposal. use.

Another object of the invention is to know the adjustment of the fastening device, and more particularly the adjustment of the binding boot medium with respect to the ski boot medium, simply by visualizing the gliding device equipped with the fastening device. Thus, the user knows, at a glance on the pair of ski, if its attachment is well adjusted for the envisaged skiing practice.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a shoe attachment device on a gliding apparatus comprising a stop and a heel. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for indicating a reference point determined by a predefined proportion between, on the one hand, the distance between a front frame associated with the stop and said reference point, and, secondly, the distance between said reference point and a rear reference associated with the heel.

By these measures, because the user therefore has, at any time, an indication of a reference point directly on the ski binding, the reference point preferably corresponding to the middle of the shoe fixation, it can adjust quick and easy way any relative positioning between the middle of shoe fixation and the ski boot medium.

Alternatively, the reference point is not the middle of the shoe but a particular mark expressing a proportion defined between, on the one hand, the distance between one end of the sole of the shoe and this marker and, on the other hand, the distance between this marker and the other end of the sole of the shoe. In this case, the indicating means must be adapted to express this proportion when the adjustment of the elements of the binding is modified. According to this other embodiment, the reference point is to be positioned relative to another specific reference of the ski.

In addition, the fixing device comprises a base secured to the gliding apparatus, the base preferably comprising a scale capable of qualifying the positioning of said reference point indicated by the indicating means relative to said base. Advantageously, this scale also qualifies the positioning of the base relative to the gliding machine and in particular, compared to the ski boot medium. Thus, the adjustment of the boot medium attachment of the device relative to the gliding machine is facilitated and more accurate.

In one embodiment of the device, the first adjustment means of the device is chosen so as to make it possible to adjust the longitudinal position of the heel and said second adjustment means so as to make it possible to adjust the longitudinal position of a device. subassembly comprising the abutment and the heel. This provides a fixation which not only has a suitable indication of a reference point but also adjustment means optimally adapted to achieve this setting quickly and easily.

Other features, as well as the corresponding advantages, will emerge from the dependent claims, as well as from the description which sets forth the invention in more detail.

The accompanying drawings show schematically and by way of example an embodiment of the invention.

The figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the shoe attachment device according to the present invention, mounted on a gliding apparatus.

The figure 2a represents a top view of the device illustrated in FIG. figure 1 the spacing between the abutment and the heel being adjusted for a given boot size and the shoe attachment medium coinciding with the ski boot medium; the figure 2b is a side view of the device shown in FIG. figure 2a ; the Figure 2c is a longitudinal section along the line II indicated in the figure 2a .

The figure 3a represents a top view of the device similar to the figure 2a the spacing between the abutment and the heel piece being adjusted for the first given shoe size and the fastening shoe medium being positioned forward with respect to the ski boot medium; the figure 3b is another top view of the device similar to the figure 2a the spacing between the abutment and the heelpiece being adjusted for the first given shoe size and the fastening shoe medium being positioned backwards relative to the ski boot medium; the figure 3c is another top view of the device similar to the figure 2a the spacing between the abutment and the heel being adjusted for a given second shoe size and the shoe attachment medium coinciding with the ski boot medium.

The figure 4a represents a top view of the device when a ski boot is placed on the device, the shoe being represented symbolically by a shoe sole; the figure 4b is a side view of the device shown in FIG. figure 4a including the sole, the middle of shoe fixation coinciding with a mark on the shoe indicating the middle of the shoe; the figure 4c is a longitudinal section along the line II-II indicated in the figure 4a .

The figure 5 is a block diagram of a means for indicating a reference point determined by a predefined proportion between, on the one hand, the distance between a front frame associated with the stop and said reference point, and, secondly, the distance between said reference point and a rear reference associated with the heel.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example several embodiments of the invention.

The present invention relates to a device for fixing shoes on a gliding device, such as an alpine ski or a ski touring. Subsequently, the device will be called indifferently shoe attachment device or ski binding. Similarly, with reference to the gliding machine, the terms "gliding apparatus" and "ski" will be used interchangeably, without necessarily limiting the scope of the corresponding explanations, which in any case extend to any gear of slips.

As illustrated in figure 1 , the shoe attachment device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, comprises a base 1 which is adapted to be fixed on said gliding machine and which extends, when mounted on the machine sliding, substantially along the longitudinal axis 1.1 of said gliding apparatus. In the illustrated example, the gliding device is an alpine ski which is only partially drawn because it is not directly the subject of the present invention.

Typically, the shoe attachment device comprises a front retaining element 2, commonly called abutment, and a rear retaining element 3, commonly called heel piece. The device also comprises first-4 and second slides 5 mounted on said base 1. These slides 4, 5 serve to guide longitudinally the abutment 2 and the heel 3, so that the latter can be translated along the length longitudinal axis of the gliding apparatus. In the illustrated example, the slides are each formed of two lateral guide elements in which correspondingly shaped elements, formed laterally on the lower parts of the abutment 2 and the heel piece 3, can cooperate and slide longitudinally along the ski . For the stop, the lateral guide elements or rails, forming the first slides 4, are oriented towards the center of the ski. Conversely, for the heel, the lateral guide elements or rails, forming the second slides 5, are oriented towards the outside of the ski. It is clear to those skilled in the art that any other equivalent means such as one or two rods or other similar means can replace the guide means illustrated by way of example in the various figures. Moreover, it is also possible that the first - 4 and second slides 5 are mounted directly on the gliding machine instead of being assembled on a base 1. The base 1 can be monobloc or in parts. In the first embodiment of the fixing device illustrated through the figures, the base 1 is made of several parts, namely a front portion for the stop 2, a rear portion for the heel 3, and an intermediate portion between these two parts serving as a housing for the elements positioned between the stop 2 and the heel 3.

In order to achieve the longitudinal displacement of the stop 2 and the heel 3 in a controlled manner, the device comprises a first adjustment means 6 and a second adjustment means 7. Without departing from the general scope of the present invention, said first means of adjustment 6 can be used to adjust the longitudinal position of one of the abutment 2 and the heel 3 with respect to the gliding apparatus, and said second adjustment means 7 can be used to adjust the longitudinal position of the other of the heel 3 and the abutment 2, that is to say a subassembly comprising the abutment 2 and the heel 3, with respect to the gliding machine.

In the embodiment of the device illustrated, by way of example, in the figures, said first adjustment means 6 makes it possible to adjust the position of the heel piece 3, and said second adjustment means 7 makes it possible to adjust the position of the subassembly comprising the stop 2 and the heel 3.

As can be seen in particular in Figure 2c said first - 6 and second adjustment means 7 are preferably made by longitudinal screws 6.1, 7.1 associated, respectively, on the one hand, with the heel piece 2 and on the other hand with the assembly formed by the stop 2 and the heel 2. These longitudinal screws 6.1, 7.1 cooperate with corresponding racks 6.2, 7.2, related to the base 1. In general, the structure as well as the operating principle of this kind of adjustment means of the longitudinal position of a retaining element are known to those skilled in the art, for example FR 2,831,455 , so that it is not necessary to describe these means in detail. Moreover, it is clear to the skilled person that any other adjustment means equivalent to these adjustment means, such as a rack cooperating with corresponding levers located on the abutment and / or the heel, one or more rods provided with projections, or other similar means, can replace the adjustment means illustrated in the different figures.

In order to obtain the aims stated above, the device for attaching boots to a gliding apparatus according to the present invention more particularly comprises an indication means 8 of a reference point 9 situated between the stop 2 and the heel piece 3. The indication of the reference point 9 occurs automatically in all the states of the fixing device, in particular during the adjustment of the fixation. The basic idea of the present invention is in fact to provide the user of the ski binding information on a reference point that should be aligned or positioned relative to a reference normally present on ski. Such a mark may be the real environment of the ski, a mark on the ski indicating the position intended for the middle of the shoe in order to obtain desired gliding characteristics, or any other kind of indication worn on the ski.

Advantageously, and as described below, the indicating means 8 is a purely mechanical means, not integrating electronic components. Being only mechanical, the indicating means 8 is simple, economical and robust.

For this purpose, said reference point 9 indicated by the indicating means 8 designates, in general terms, a predefined proportion between, on the one hand, the distance between a reference frame before 2.1 associated with the stop 2 and said reference point 9, and, secondly, the distance between said reference point 9 and a rear reference 3.1 associated with the heel 3, and this, regardless of the distance between the stop 2 and the heel 3. Advantageously, the reference point 9 designates the middle of the shoe, called in French "MC", that is to say that the predefined proportion mentioned above is 1: 1. The position of the middle of the shoe is commonly used as a reference for the adjustment of a fixation with respect to a ski. However, other proportions or references may be targeted.

Furthermore, it will be discussed later, to simplify the understanding, indifferently referential before 2.1 associated with the stop 2 and abutment 2, or even rear reference 3.1 associated with the heel 3 and heel 3. These standards each define a position longitudinal section of an element of the shoe attachment device relative to the gliding apparatus on which the device is fixed, along the longitudinal axis 1.1. The figure 4c illustrates these standards 2.1, 2.3. With regard to the front frame 2.1 associated with the stop 2, it preferably corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1.1 and passing through the contact surface, along the longitudinal axis 1.1, between the before the sole 10.3 and the stop 2. Generally, the sole 10.1 is supported longitudinally on a sliding plate of the abutment 2, this plate materializing this reference before 2.1. Regarding the rear reference frame 3.1 associated with the heel 3, it preferably corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1.1 and passing through the contact points, the along the longitudinal axis 1.1, between the rear of the sole 10.4 and the heel 3. Generally, the sole 10.1 is supported longitudinally on a top of the rim of the heel 3. In this case, the distance between the associated reference frame 2.1 to the stop 2 and the rear reference 3.1 associated with the heel 3 corresponds directly to the length of the sole 10.1, that is to say the size of the shoe 10 as defined by the standard in force. It is also possible to choose other repositories.

As is apparent in particular from the Figures 2a and 2c said indication means 8 comprises in particular a first indication element 8.1 fixed to the stop 2 and a second indication element 8.2 attached to the heel piece 3. Said first and second indication elements 8.1, 8.2 are preferably, made by two superimposed blades, housed in a longitudinal guide groove formed in the base 1 of the ski binding. Alternatively, the first and second indication elements 8.1, 8.2 are made by other equivalent means, for example, rods.

According to the first example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3c , the first - 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 are arranged so as to define, in all the relative positions between the stop 2 and the heel 3 which can be defined by means of the adjustment means 6, 7, a triangle isosceles 8.3 of variable size, a vertex indicates said reference point 9. This is particularly visible on the figures 1 and 2a . Indeed, each of the first 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 defines a line 8.1.1, 8.2.1 inclined at an identical angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis 1.1 of said gliding apparatus, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3a . These lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 are symmetrical with respect to an axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis 1.1. The angle α is determined for a fastener. The value of the angle is in an angular range from 15 ° to 75 °, preferably in an angular range from 30 ° to 60 °.

It is possible to perform these lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 of the first - 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 in different ways. For example, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3c , the first - 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 may be formed by two superimposed blades of which at least one blade is tapered. Alternatively, the two blades are bevelled so that the two inclined edges of the blades form a "V" whose intersection indicates said reference point 9. The two blades may be of different color, alternatively the first - 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 are formed by superimposed blades of which at least one blade has a drawing adapted to define said isosceles triangle 8.3 of variable size. For example, the lower blade 8.1 may have a pattern formed of two given colors so as to form said line 8.1.1, while the upper blade 8.2 is transparent on one part, and opaque on another part, the interface between these two parts forming line 8.2.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 are materialized by a lower blade 8.1 carrying a drawing and a beveled upper blade 8.2. Other alternatives are possible. For example, especially if the first 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 are formed by rods, the inclined lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 could be materialized by inclined striations, inclined grooves, inclined linear projections or some kinds of needles attached to the stems in an inclined manner.

Preferably, at least one of the first - 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 has a graduation 8.2.2 adapted to simplify the reading of said reference point 9 indicated by the indicating means 8. In the illustrated example, especially through the figures 1 and 2a , the second indication element 8.2, made by a beveled blade, comprises for this purpose ridges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1.1 of the ski, respectively of the base 1. These striations are parallel and separated by an equal distance. These striations form a graduation 8.2.2 as described above. Obviously, these striations make it possible to relate, in an intuitive and legible manner, the reference point 9 indicated by the vertex of the isosceles triangle 8.3 with a reference mark indicating the ski boot medium. Indeed, depending on the spacing of the retaining devices, the top of the isosceles triangle 8.3, of variable size, merges with a singular point of the line 8.2.1. This singular point is easily identifiable by being positioned on a given streak or between two identified striations of the graduation 8.2.2.

Moreover, and as is also apparent from figures 1 and 2a , said base 1 comprises a scale 1.2 capable of qualifying the positioning of said reference point 9 indicated by the indicating means 8 relative to said base 1. On the other hand, the scale 1.2 also qualifies the positioning of the base relative to the gliding machine. The scale 1.2 comprises for example the indication MC for the middle of the shoe. On the one hand, when the base 1 is mounted on the gliding machine, this indication must normally coincide with a corresponding reference mark on the ski, this mark indicating the ski boot middle. On the other hand, when the fixing device is set normally, this indication must be aligned transversely with the reference point 9. If both conditions are met, the setting of the binding is optimum for normal ski conditions (standard) . The scale 1.2 comprises a graduation extending on both sides of the indication MC and indicating the distance to the front or back of the boot attachment medium. Alternatively, the graduation may extend only one side of the indication MC, either towards the front of the ski, or towards the rear of the ski. Alternatively, it is obviously possible to provide the scale 1.2 capable of qualifying the positioning of said reference point 9 relative to the base 1, respectively to the gliding machine, directly on the gliding machine instead of placing it on the base 1. In view of the different gliding devices, in particular their different widths that could affect the visibility of the ladder 1.2 placed on the gliding machine, it is nevertheless preferable and more convenient to place the ladder on the base 1.

In this way, the user can advantageously, by reading the reference point 9 indicated by the vertex of the isosceles triangle 8.3 and relating it, using the graduation 8.2.2 located on the second indication element. 8.2, with the scale 1.2 located on the base 1, namely in a simple, fast, and precise way the relative positioning between the binding shoe medium as currently set on the ski binding and the ski boot medium. This means of indication 8 facilitates the adjustment of the desired position of the binding shoe medium with respect to the gliding apparatus and increases the accuracy of this operation. Thanks to this feature, it would be possible in particular to make a desired adjustment even before mounting the ski binding on the gliding device provided to correctly position the base relative to the ski during the subsequent mounting of the ski binding. . In practice, the base is first fixed on the ski then the stop and the heel are attached to the base. The adjustment is often subsequent to the mounting of the binding on the gliding machine.

Preferably, at least one of the first 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 comprises a scale of sizes 8.1.2 indicating the size of the chosen shoe as a function of the relative spacing between the stop 2 and the heel 3. In the example shown, the lower blade 8.1 includes this scale of sizes 8.1.2 indicating the sizes of the shoes. The end of the upper blade then acts as a pointer to the size scale 8.1.2, showing the value the standard length of the sole corresponding to the set size. Thus, the end of the upper blade 8.2 and the size scale 8.1.2 form an information means of the relative spacing between the stop 2 and the heel 3. This information means is distinct from the means of indication 8 previously described.

In this way, the user has, when adjusting the ski binding, also precise information with regard to the shoe size which corresponds to the distance currently set between the stop 2 and the heel piece 3. This characteristic makes it possible to carry out the adjustment without the need for a shoe of the right size.

In the example shown in figures 1 and 2a the clearance currently set between stop 2 and heel 3 corresponds to a shoe size with a standardized sole length of 305 millimeters, as indicated by the size scale 8.1.2 in cooperation with the visible end of the upper blade 8.2 forming said second indication element 8.2. This spacing can be modified using the first adjustment means 6 for adjusting the position of the heel 3, by turning the corresponding longitudinal screw 6.1.

Moreover, the position of the binding shoe medium, indicated by the reference point 9 of the indication means 8, is, in this case, adjusted so that it coincides with a reference mark indicating the ski boot medium. By hypothesis, the base 1 is fixed on the ski so that the indication MC of the scale 1.2 of the base 1 coincides with the reference on the ski indicating the ski boot medium .. The second means of Adjustment 7 makes it possible to adjust the position of the subassembly comprising the stop 2 and the heel 3 with respect to the base 1 and thus to modify the relative positioning between the binding shoe medium and the ski boot medium.

In the example illustrated, the fixing device comprises a base 1, first and second parts movable longitudinally relative to the base 1. The first part includes the heel 3, the upper blade 8.2 and the longitudinal screw 6.1 of the first means 6. These elements are integral longitudinally. The second part includes the stop 2, the lower blade 8.1, the rack 6.2 of the first adjustment means 6 and the longitudinal screw 7.1 of the second adjustment means 7. These elements are secured longitudinally. The rack 6.2 is either formed directly in the lower blade 8.1 or attached to the lower blade 8.1. Thus, the first and second parts are linked together, via the first adjustment means 6, thus forming a subassembly movable longitudinally with respect to a base 1. The adjustment of the longitudinal position of the subassembly is achieved via the second adjustment means 7, the longitudinal screw 7.1 cooperating with a rack 7.2 linked to the base 1. Thus, adjustment of the position of the stop 2, performed by turning the corresponding longitudinal screw 7.1, simultaneously causes a longitudinal movement of the same distance and direction of the heel 3, so that the relative positioning between the stop 2 and the heel 3 is not modified by this setting.

Accordingly, the user can adjust the position of the heel 3 relative to the stop 2 and adjust the position of the subassembly comprising the stop 2 and the heel 3 relative to the base 1. As a result, the first adjustment means 6 makes it possible to vary the size of the boot by moving the stop 2 and the heel piece 3 away from each other, while the second adjustment means 7 makes it possible to vary the binding boot medium with respect to the ski boot medium by adjusting the longitudinal position of the subassembly comprising the stop 2 and the heel piece 3.

The Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c show some examples of relative positions that can be realized quickly and easily by the user having a ski binding according to the present invention, using the first - 6 and second adjustment means 7 and the means of indication 8.

The figure 3a represents a top view of the device similar to the figure 2a , the spacing between the abutment and the heel is always adjusted to correspond to a shoe size whose standardized length of the sole is 305 millimeters. In this case, the binding shoe medium as indicated by the reference point 9 has been adjusted, by means of the second adjustment means 7, so as to be positioned forward, that is to say in direction of the abutment 2 and in this case a distance of 25 mm forward, relative to the ski boot medium.

The figure 3b is another top view of the device similar to the figure 2a the spacing between the abutment and the heel piece being always adjusted to correspond to a shoe size of 305 millimeters. In this case, the fastening shoe medium as indicated by the reference point 9 has been adjusted, with the aid of the second adjusting means 7, so as to be positioned backwards, that is to say in heel direction 3 and in this case a distance of 25 mm back, relative to the ski boot medium.

The figure 3c is another top view of the device similar to the figure 2a , the spacing between the abutment and the heel has in this case been adjusted, using the first adjustment means 6, so as to correspond to a shoe size whose standardized length of the sole is 325 millimeters. The binding shoe medium, as set on the binding, here again coincides with the ski boot medium.

Other non-illustrated embodiments of the device may be envisaged.

For example, said first - 6 and second adjusting means 7 are arranged differently. These means 6, 7 can simply be reversed. In this alternative embodiment, said first adjustment means 6 is assigned to the stop and makes it possible to adjust the position of the stop 2, that is to say the relative position between the stop 2 and the heel piece 3, and said second adjusting means 7 is assigned to the heel piece 3 and makes it possible to adjust the position of a subassembly comprising the abutment 2 and the heel piece 3, that is to say the shoe-fixing medium relative to the middle of ski shoe. In view of the explanations above, it is clear that it is sufficient, to obtain this configuration, to extend the blade 8.2 attached to the heel 3, which would become in this case the lower blade, and to place the stopper 2 including the first setting means 6 on this extended blade 8.2.

In another alternative embodiment of the device, said first adjustment means 6 makes it possible to adjust the position of one of the abutment 2 and of the heel piece 3 and said second adjustment means 7 makes it possible to adjust the position of the other of the heel 3 and the abutment 2. If this embodiment still achieves the goals stated in the introduction, the setting will last longer because it requires an iteration of the setting using the first - 6 and second adjustment means 7. Compared with the prior art, it nevertheless still allows a more intuitive and precise adjustment, since all the information necessary for the adjustment is indicated visually by the device.

Advantageously, the indicating means 8 makes it possible to materialize a reference point 9 corresponding to any proportion and not necessarily the ratio 1: 1. For example and as illustrated in figure 5 , the indicating means 8 form a triangle whose inclined lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 are oriented by an angle α ₁ , respectively α ₂ with respect to the longitudinal axis 1.1. These angles α ₁ , α ₂ are chosen so that the indicating means 8 makes it possible to define a predefined proportion between, on the one hand, the distance x ₁ between the front reference frame 2.1 associated with the stop 2 and the said reference point 9, and, on the other hand, the distance x ₂ between the said reference point 9 and the rear reference frame 3.1 3. In this case, therefore, the reference point 9 does not necessarily designate the boot medium, but always designates the same predefined proportion, regardless of the distance between the abutment 2 and the heel piece 3. principle of figure 5 allows, starting from the equation x ₁ '/ x ₂ ' = x ₁ / x ₂ , where x ₁ 'corresponds to the longitudinal distance between the reference point 9 and the vertex of the triangle formed by the indicating means 8 situated on the abutment side 2 and where x ₂ 'corresponds to the longitudinal distance between the reference point 9 and the vertex of the triangle formed by the indicating means 8 located on the heel side 3, and in view of the fact that the sum of x ₁ and x ₂ corresponds to the length of sole 10.1, to deduce the following relation: $$\tan \left(\mathrm{\pi }\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}\mathrm{-}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="\alpha "\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\alpha </figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\right)\mathrm{=}{\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{/}{\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{2}}\tan \left(\mathrm{\pi }\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}\mathrm{-}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\alpha "\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\alpha </figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{2}}\right)\mathrm{,}$$

This then makes it possible to calculate the angles α ₁ , respectively α ₂ of the inclined lines 8.1.1, 8.2.1 of a triangle constituting an indicating means 8 for a predefined proportion of x ₁ : x ₂ . One could, for example, wish to position the reference point 9 under a metatarsophalangeal zone.

Thus, the embodiment described in Figures 1 to 4c is a particular proportion of this solution for which α ₁ = α ₂ and x ₁ = x ₂ . This proportion makes it possible to obtain the isosceles triangle described previously.

Alternatively, the indicating means 8 may even be constituted by other suitable geometric shapes and not only by a triangle. For example, the indicating means 8 may be formed by a rhombus, that is to say instead of being beveled, one of the corresponding blades could comprise a recess in the form of a "V" and the complementary drawing on the other of said blades also forms a complementary "V" lying to make the diamond. Indeed, what is important in generalizing the criterion applying to the indicating means 8 is that the indicating means 8 comprises a first indication element 8.1, associated with the stop 2, and a second element 8.2, associated with the heel 3, so that the first 8.1 and second indication elements 8.2 are arranged to define, in all the relative positions between the stop 2 and the heel 3, a 8.3 which a singular point indicates said reference point 9. It is therefore clear to the skilled person having the technical instruction according to the present description that he can consider all geometric shapes adapted. An isosceles triangle, a triangle having sides forming the angles α ₁ , respectively α ₂ with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device, or a rhombus whose singular point is each time one of the vertices of the geometric figure, do not form only a few examples of an adapted geometrical figure 8.3.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention also relates to any gliding apparatus comprising a shoe attachment device as described above. It can include an alpine ski or a ski touring.

In view of the aforementioned explanations relating to the structure and operation of the device according to the present invention, it is obvious that such a device provides many advantages and makes it possible to complete the goals set forth in the introduction. In particular, a ski binding according to the present invention provides a simple, fast, and accurate setting of the binding boot medium with respect to the ski boot medium. In addition, this setting does not require putting a shoe in the binding. Likewise, the device offers several different but well-defined positions between the middle of the binding shoe and the middle of the ski boot, so that the user can easily customize the location of the boot on the ski. For example, if an experienced skier wishes, furthermore during the adjustment of the binding for his shoe size, to customize his position relative to the ski, he can correct the recommendations indicated on the ski with regard to the position of the middle of the shoe. it can be done easily, while a less confident skier can adjust the binding as intended. The ski binding has in fact not only means of indication automatically indicating the necessary information during the adjustment, but also adjustment means optimally adapted to the achievement of the corresponding settings. Moreover, these adjustment means are of robust construction as well as simple, fast, and reliable during their use. It should also be mentioned that the ski binding according to the present invention can be provided in several variants and therefore has a flexible construction principle. Because of the relatively simple structure of such a ski binding, these advantages are obtained without increasing the complexity or even the cost of production of the device. It is easily understandable that the main advantages are particularly favorable for example for a quick adjustment of an experienced skier wishing to adapt its attachment to the conditions of gliding.

Claims (14)

Device for attaching shoes to a gliding apparatus, the device comprising a front retaining element (2), the abutment, and a rear retaining element (3), the heel piece, characterized in that the device comprises a means of indicating (8) a reference point (9) determined by a predefined proportion between, on the one hand, the distance between a front frame (2.1) associated with the stop (2) and said reference point (9) , and, secondly, the distance between said reference point (9) and a rear reference (3.1) associated with the heel (3). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said abutment (2) and heel (3) are guided by first (4) and second slides (5) so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis (1.1). ) of the gliding device and that the device comprises a first adjustment means (6) for adjusting the longitudinal position of one of the abutment (2) and the heel (3) relative to the machine of gliding. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device comprises a second adjusting means (7) for adjusting the longitudinal position of the other of the heel (3) and the stop (2), or of a subassembly comprising the stop (2) and the heel (3), relative to the gliding machine. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said indicating means (8) comprises a first indication element (8.1) attached to the stop (2) and a second indicating element (8.2) fixed at the heel (3), the first - (8.1) and second indication elements (8.2) being arranged to define, in all relative positions between the stop (2) and the heel (3), a geometrical figure (8.3) a singular point of which indicates said reference point (9). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the geometric figure (8.3) is a triangle whose singular point is one of its vertices. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the first indicating element (8.1) defines a line (8.1.1) inclined at a first angle (α ₁ ) with respect to the longitudinal axis (1.1) of said gliding apparatus and that the second indication element (8.2) defines a line (8.2.1) inclined at a second angle (α ₂ ) with respect to the longitudinal axis (1.1) of said gliding apparatus . Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first - (α ₁ ) and second angles (α ₂ ) are identical. Device according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the first - (8.1) and second indication elements (8.2) are formed by superposed blades, at least one of which is beveled so as to materialize one of them. lines (8.1.1, 8.2.1). Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the first - (8.1) and second indication elements (8.2) has a graduation (8.2.2) adapted to simplify the reading of said reference point (9) indicated by the indicating means (8). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base (1) integral with the gliding apparatus, the base comprising a scale (1.2) capable of qualifying the positioning of the reference point (9). ) relative to the base (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicating means (8) is solely mechanical. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an information means (8.1.2, 8.2) of the relative spacing between the stop (2) and the heel (3). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the information means (8.1.2, 8.2) is integrated on at least one of the elements (8.1, 8.2) constituting the indicating means (8). Gliding device equipped with a fixing device as defined in the preceding claims.

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