EP3000511B1 - Heel unit for shoe binding on a gliding board - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a binding of a shoe to a gliding board. It relates in particular to the rear part of a binding of a shoe on a gliding board, called heel. The invention finds particularly advantageous application of alpine ski boot bindings and in particular so-called hiking bindings.

STATE OF THE ART

Downhill, to fix a shoe on a gliding board such as a ski, one solution is to use a front fixing part, called abutment, intended to secure the front of the shoe to the board and a heel to fix the heel of the shoe to the board.

According to an embodiment described in the document AT 402 020 , the heel supports two rods each having a free end which is respectively intended to penetrate into a corresponding housing made in the heel of the shoe as described, for example, in the document EP 0 199 098 .

When the heel of the shoe must be attached to the board, just bring the heel down which involves the collaboration of the two rods with the heel. These two rods then engage in the heel housing and block it. The heel is then secured to the board and thus ensures a good support of the foot when sliding.

In certain situations, for example in the event of a fall of the user, the boot must be able to be released immediately from the binding. For this purpose the attachment incorporates one or more mechanisms for this automatic release of the shoe at the level of the heel and / or at the stop. This release function is called a "trigger".

• soit verticale, c'est-à-dire que le talon est décollé de la planche de glisse selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la face supérieure de la planche de glisse. Ce déclenchement est qualifié de « déclenchement vertical » et se produit suite à une chute avant du skieur,
• soit latérale, c'est-à-dire que le talon est dégagé de la planche de glisse selon un arc de cercle dont l'axe de rotation vertical se situe sensiblement à l'avant de la chaussure. En général, le déclenchement est généré par un couple exercé sur la chaussure autour de cet axe de rotation vertical. On peut transposer ce couple par un effort selon une direction sensiblement transversale à la planche de glisse, à savoir, sensiblement perpendiculairement à la direction longitudinale de la planche de glisse. Ce déclenchement est qualifié de « déclenchement latéral ». Lors du déclenchement latéral, le corps de la talonnière qui supporte les tiges est entraîné en rotation autour d'un axe perpendiculaire à la face supérieure de la planche de glisse.

So, in some constructions like those described in documents WO 2012/024809 , EP 2,608,853 , EP 2 259 850 or EP 2 570 160 , the trigger can be achieved essentially by the heel. This trigger occurs under the effect of a major effort whose direction is:

• is vertical, that is to say, the heel is detached from the gliding board in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper face of the gliding board. This trigger is called a "vertical trigger" and occurs after a fall before the skier,
• either side, that is to say that the heel is cleared from the gliding board in an arc whose circle of vertical rotation is substantially at the front of the shoe. In general, the trigger is generated by a torque exerted on the shoe around this vertical axis of rotation. We can transpose this torque by a force in a direction substantially transverse to the gliding board, namely, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. This triggering is called "lateral triggering". During the lateral release, the body of the heel that supports the rods is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the upper face of the gliding board.

The general principle of locking the heel and the means for automatic vertical and lateral tripping in the event of a fall will be described below.

The heel comprises in general a plurality of holding means, typically springs, which exert a force tending to bring the two free ends of the rods together or bring them back to a neutral position. The distance between the two free ends of the rods is thus elastically constrained.

Typically, as illustrated in the documents EP 2 420 306 or EP 0 199 098 , the heel housing of the shoe defines two symmetrical guideways with respect to a median axis of the foot. Each of the two guide paths has an engagement zone in which a stem of the heel piece is intended to penetrate as the heel approaches the heel piece. Each of the two guideways then continues with a guide zone in which one of the rods is guided until a locking zone is reached. In this configuration, the heel is firmly held in the heel, both vertically and laterally. When inserting the heel of the shoe in the heel, the two guide zones, each associated with a rod, mutually separate the two ends of the rods that come close once they have reached the locking zone. Since the locking zone, the springs of the heel tend to bring the two free ends of the rods and maintain them in the blocking zone.

To separate the heel of the heel, it is necessary that the free ends of the stems of the heel out of the associated blockage areas.

For a vertical release, it is necessary to overcome the force generated by the holding means to sufficiently separate the two free ends of the rods and out of the blocking zone to bring them to the guide zone.

For a lateral release, the heel piece must be turned to get the free ends of the stems of the locking zones away. In this case, the ends exit directly from the associated blocking zones, without passing through the guide zones.

• des premiers moyens, le plus souvent des premiers ressorts, agissant sur les tiges pour maintenir un écartement déterminé de leur extrémité. Lorsqu'un effort vertical exercé par le pied est supérieur à un seuil de déclenchement vertical, le talon, à savoir, les chemins de guidage, agit sur les tiges de manière à provoquer un écartement des extrémités des tiges suffisant pour qu'elles basculent dans la zone de guidage, libérant ainsi la chaussure de la talonnière. Si l'effort vertical est inférieur au seuil de déclenchement vertical, les extrémités restent engagées dans les zones de blocage,
• des deuxièmes moyens de déclenchement, le plus souvent des deuxièmes ressorts, différents des premiers ressorts, agissant sur le corps de la talonnière pour le maintenir dans une position angulaire déterminée. Lorsqu'un couple autour d'un axe vertical est exercé sur la chaussure, cela se traduit par un effort latéral exercé par le pied sur la talonnière. Le talon agit alors sur les tiges de manière à provoquer la rotation du corps de la talonnière autour d'un axe vertical, à l'encontre de l'effort exercé par les premiers moyens de déclenchement. Dès que le corps atteint un angle défini, les tiges se désengagent de la zone de blocage 12 et la chaussure est libérée de la talonnière. Cet angle est atteint dès que l'effort latéral est supérieur à un seuil de déclenchement latéral. Si l'effort est inférieur à ce seuil, les tiges restent engagées dans les zones de blocage 12.

Some known solutions described in the documents mentioned above provide relatively complex devices with:

• first means, most often first springs, acting on the rods to maintain a determined spacing of their end. When a vertical force exerted by the foot is greater than a vertical trigger threshold, the heel, namely, the guideways, acts on the rods so as to cause a spacing of the ends of the rods sufficient to rock in the guiding zone, thus releasing the shoe from the heel. If the vertical force is less than the vertical trip threshold, the ends remain engaged in the blocking zones,
• second triggering means, usually second springs, different from the first springs, acting on the body of the heel to maintain it in a specific angular position. When a pair around a vertical axis is exerted on the shoe, this results in a lateral force exerted by the foot on the heel. The heel then acts on the rods so as to cause the rotation of the body of the heel around a vertical axis, against the force exerted by the first triggering means. As soon as the body reaches a defined angle, the rods disengage from the locking zone 12 and the shoe is released from the heel. This angle is reached as soon as the lateral force is greater than a lateral release threshold. If the effort is below this threshold, the rods remain engaged in the locking zones 12.

These solutions are complex. Moreover, they are relatively heavy. However, the lightness of a fixation is essential to its performance. This is particularly true in the case of ski touring where the user must lift his skis during an ascent.

The document EP 2 384 794 proposes a solution according to the preamble of claim 1 wherein two springs constrain the two rods for vertical triggering. In addition, the same springs are part of the lateral release mechanism.

In this document, the main body supporting the rods is rotated about a base during the lateral release. This main body also supports a control body with a pin, extending vertically downward. The control body is constrained by springs housed in the main body. The pin cooperates with a "V" shaped cam surface formed on the base. During lateral release, the body rotates. The pin then cooperates with the cam surface of the base which causes a sliding of the control body tending to constrain the springs. Thus, to be able to turn the body, it is necessary to exert a lateral force sufficient to allow the compression of the springs. The cam surface and the dimensioning of the springs define the lateral force to be exerted to obtain a determined angle of rotation of the body. At the lateral trigger, all the force is transferred from the cam surface to the counter, which makes the system relatively fragile. Note that during lateral release, only one rod is requested only to rotate the body. The lateral release is defined solely by the surface of the cam of the base and the springs, independently of the rods and more particularly of their spacing. The rods are not solicited in spacing. Furthermore, the mechanism has a height requirement because the vertical trigger mechanism and the lateral trigger mechanism are vertically superimposed. Although the device is lightened in number of parts compared to similar heels, it still has a large number of parts. In addition, the kinematics of the control body has several areas of contact and friction that can interfere with the proper functioning of the trigger mechanisms by wear or jamming. The trip values can then be out of adjustment.

However, snow sports, especially those practiced off-piste require very reliable equipment.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved heel.

One goal is to offer a compact heel.

Another goal is to offer a robust heel.

Another goal is to offer a lighter heel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• un châssis destiné à être fixé à la planche de glisse et comprenant une extension verticale,
• un corps monté rotatif autour de l'extension verticale,
• au moins deux tiges, supportées par le corps, s'étendant de part et d'autre de l'extension verticale, les deux tiges ayant chacune une extrémité libre destinée à coopérer avec un logement ménagé dans le talon de la chaussure,
• un moyen de maintien permettant de maintenir un écartement déterminé entre les extrémités libres.

To achieve this objective, an object of the present invention relates to a heel of a binding of a shoe on a gliding board comprising:

• a frame intended to be fixed to the gliding board and comprising a vertical extension,
• a body rotatably mounted around the vertical extension,
• at least two rods, supported by the body, extending on either side of the vertical extension, the two rods each having a free end intended to cooperate with a housing formed in the heel of the boot,
• holding means for maintaining a determined spacing between the free ends.

The vertical extension supports at least one contact zone, the latter being fixed relative to the chassis. Each rod cooperates respectively with a determined part of the contact zone, specific to each rod. The contact zone is arranged so that a rotation of the body around the extension from a descent pattern results in a relative spacing of the two ends which is greater than the determined spacing.

Thus, during a lateral release, the body is rotated, which also causes rotation of each of the two rods. Each of the two rods being associated with a determined part of the contact zone, they are then displaced so as to deviate mutually. In case of lateral triggering, for example during a fall, the force generated by the rotation of the body of the heel is thus distributed over the two determined parts of the separate contact area, which improves the robustness and reliability of the heel.

When the relative spacing of the two rods is sufficient, the heel can be released from the rods and removed from the heel.

• Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque tige et la partie de la zone de contact qui lui est associée sont situées au même niveau vertical.
• Selon un mode de réalisation, une partie du châssis traverse le corps, les deux tiges étant disposées de part et d'autre de cette partie traversant le corps.
• Selon un mode de réalisation, les deux tiges et le moyen de maintien forment une pièce monobloc.

Optionally, the invention may have any of the following optional features taken alone or in combination:

• According to one embodiment, each rod and the portion of the contact zone associated with it are located at the same vertical level.
• According to one embodiment, a portion of the frame passes through the body, the two rods being disposed on either side of this portion passing through the body.
• According to one embodiment, the two rods and the holding means form a single piece.

• Selon un mode de réalisation, le corps comprend des moyens d'assemblage permettant de solidariser alternativement une pièce monobloc ayant des tiges de longueurs différentes avec le corps, tout en conservant une distance prédéterminée identique entre une extrémité libre de chaque tige et l'axe autour duquel tourne le corps.
• Selon un mode de réalisation, la talonnière est configurée de sorte que les moyens d'assemblage soient désactivables lorsque le corps est placé dans au moins une position angulaire déterminée par rapport au châssis, les moyens d'assemblage autorisant un retrait de la pièce monobloc uniquement lorsqu'ils sont désactivés, la talonnière étant configurée de manière à empêcher la désactivation des moyens d'assemblage lorsque le corps n'est pas dans ladite au moins une position angulaire déterminée.

The number of parts being reduced, the heel is particularly robust and reliable. In addition, manufacturing and assembly costs are reduced. Moreover, this feature significantly reduces the weight and bulk of the heel.

• According to one embodiment, the body comprises assembly means for alternately securing a one-piece piece having rods of different lengths with the body, while maintaining a predetermined identical distance between a free end of each rod and the axis around which turns the body.
• According to one embodiment, the heel is configured so that the assembly means are deactivatable when the body is placed in at least one predetermined angular position relative to the frame, the assembly means allowing a withdrawal of the single piece only when disabled, the heel being configured to prevent deactivation of the assembly means when the body is not in said at least one determined angular position.

• Selon un mode de réalisation, la pièce monobloc constitue une fourche en forme de « U ».
• Selon un mode de réalisation, la pièce monobloc est insérée dans une pièce de maintien rapportée sur le corps.
• Selon un mode de réalisation, la zone de contact est dimensionnée de sorte que lorsque le corps est placé dans au moins une position angulaire déterminée par rapport au châssis, chaque tige ne coopère plus avec la zone de contact, par exemple, les deux tiges ne sont plus en contact avec la zone de contact, ou coopère légèrement avec une partie de la zone de contact pour permettre un retrait des tiges hors de la zone de contact sans outillage, par une action manuelle, de préférence par une action manuelle exercée avec deux doigts seulement.

Thus the one-piece piece can be inserted and removed from the body in a particularly simple manner and without the need for tools for adjustment or repair of the fastener.

• According to one embodiment, the one-piece piece constitutes a fork shaped "U".
• According to one embodiment, the one-piece piece is inserted into a holding part attached to the body.
• According to one embodiment, the contact zone is dimensioned so that when the body is placed in at least one predetermined angular position relative to the frame, each rod no longer cooperates with the contact zone, for example, the two rods are no longer in contact with the contact zone, or cooperate slightly with a portion of the contact zone to allow removal of the rods from the contact zone without tools, by a manual action, preferably by an action manual exercised with two fingers only.

Thus in an angular position of the body relative to the contact zone secured to the frame, the rods do not cooperate with the contact zone.

• Selon un mode de réalisation, la talonnière comporte une cale de montée mobile de sorte que, lorsqu'elle est placée dans une position déterminée, elle coopère avec les tiges pour limiter leur écartement relatif.
• Selon un mode de réalisation, la talonnière comporte une cale de montée ménagée sur une partie supérieure du châssis en dessous de laquelle pivote au moins une partie du corps.

Thus, the rods are not always in tight contact with the contact area and can be replaced easily, for example when they are worn or when the heel changes user. This facilitates the after-sales service and the rental of the gliding equipment.

• According to one embodiment, the heel has a movable shim so that, when placed in a determined position, it cooperates with the rods to limit their relative spacing.
• According to one embodiment, the heel has a shim mounted on an upper part of the chassis below which pivots at least a part of the body.

• Selon un mode de réalisation, la partie supérieure du châssis sur laquelle est ménagée la cale de montée constitue le prolongement de l'extension verticale.

Thus, when the climbing wedge is positioned by the user in a given position, fixed with respect to the ski and independent of the rotating body, the wedge remains functional uphill. Often, when the user moves in an incline, the latter presses on the climbing wedge in a transverse direction. If the climbing wedge is assembled on the rotary body, as is often the case in the prior art, then this transverse support causes the rotation of the body and the wedge which no longer becomes functional. With the proposed construction, being positioned relative to the ski, the climbing wedge is still functional even if it exerts a lateral force on the hold. Similarly, if the body rotates involuntarily, for example under the effect of contact with the shoe, the other ski or a block of snow, then the body does not drive the hold.

• According to one embodiment, the upper part of the frame on which is formed the shim is the extension of the vertical extension.

Another object of the present invention relates to a shoe attachment system on a gliding board comprising a front stop configured to secure the front of the shoe with the gliding board and comprising a heel according to the invention.

Another object of the present invention relates to a gliding board comprising a heel piece according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de côté et de l'arrière d'une talonnière selon un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention, le talon d'une chaussure étant également représenté. Sur cette figure, la talonnière est dans une configuration, dite « configuration de descente », dans laquelle elle est prête à être fixée au talon.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon II-II de la figure 5 de la talonnière illustrée en figure 1.
• La figure 3 est une vue éclatée en perspective du dessus d'éléments de la talonnière illustrée en figure 1.
• La figure 4 est une vue en perspective du dessus et de l'avant de la talonnière illustrée en figure 1.
• La figure 5 est une vue selon une coupe selon V-V de la figure 2 de la talonnière illustrée en figure 1.
• Les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues respectivement en perspective et en coupe selon V-V de la figure 2, de la talonnière illustrée dans une configuration, dite « configuration de montée » où la cale de montée est activée.
• Les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues en perspective et en coupe selon V-V de la figure 2, de la talonnière illustrée dans une configuration, dite « configuration de déclenchement latéral », où le corps est tourné.
• Les figures 10 et 11 sont des vues respectivement en perspective et en coupe selon V-V de la figure 2, de la talonnière illustrée dans une configuration dite « configuration de retrait » de la fourche.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of side and rear of a heel according to a first embodiment of the invention, the heel of a shoe being also shown. In this figure, the heel is in a configuration, called "downhill configuration", in which it is ready to be fixed to the heel.
• The figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of the figure 5 of the heels illustrated in figure 1 .
• The figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the top of elements of the heel piece illustrated in figure 1 .
• The figure 4 is a perspective view of the top and the front of the heel illustrated in figure 1 .
• The figure 5 is a sectional view according to VV of the figure 2 of the heels illustrated in figure 1 .
• The Figures 6 and 7 are views respectively in perspective and in section according to VV of the figure 2 , heel gear shown in a configuration, called "climb configuration" where the climbing wedge is activated.
• The Figures 8 and 9 are views in perspective and in section according to VV of the figure 2 , of the heel heel illustrated in a configuration, called "lateral trigger configuration", where the body is rotated.
• The Figures 10 and 11 are views respectively in perspective and in section according to VV of the figure 2 , of the heel piece illustrated in a configuration called "withdrawal configuration" of the fork.

• Les figures 12 à 14 sont des vues en perspective respectivement dans une configuration de descente, dans une première configuration de montée et dans une deuxième configuration de montée.
• La figure 15 est une vue en coupe selon XV-XV de la figure 16 de la talonnière illustrée en figure 12.
• Les figures 16 et 17 sont des vues en coupe selon XVI-XVI de la figure 15 de la talonnière, chacune avec une fourche présentant des caractéristiques différentes.
• La figure 18 est une vue en perspective du dessus de la talonnière illustrée en figure 12 et dont la cale de montée est désassemblée pour montrer les moyens d'indexation en rotation.

The Figures 12 to 18 are views of a heel according to a second embodiment of the invention.

• The Figures 12 to 14 are perspective views respectively in a descent configuration, in a first climb configuration and in a second climb configuration.
• The figure 15 is a sectional view according to XV-XV of the figure 16 of the heels illustrated in figure 12 .
• The Figures 16 and 17 are sectional views according to XVI-XVI of the figure 15 of the heel, each with a fork having different characteristics.
• The figure 18 is a perspective view of the top of the heel illustrated in figure 12 and whose climbing wedge is disassembled to show the indexing means in rotation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the rest of the description, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transversal", "superior", "lower", "up", "down", "before" will be used. , " back ". These terms must be interpreted in a relative manner in relation to the normal position that the heel takes on a ski, and the normal direction of advancement of the ski. For example, "longitudinal" refers to the longitudinal axis of the ski.

The figure 2 illustrates the main directions. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the X axis. The transverse direction corresponds to the Y axis. The vertical direction corresponds to the Z axis.

A first non-limiting embodiment will now be detailed with reference to the Figures 1 to 11 .

The heel 100 is shown attached to the upper face 21 of a gliding board 20 of a ski.

The heel 100 comprises a frame 110 having a base 111 configured to be fixed to the gliding board 20, in this example by screwing through openings of screw passages 114 not shown. Alternatively, the base can be assembled to the ski by a slide-type connection, in a longitudinal direction to the ski. This thus makes it possible to adjust the longitudinal position of the heel piece so as to adjust the binding with respect to the size or for a "back" function (maintain contact between the heel piece and the shoe when the ski flexed in a downhill configuration) . In the first case, there is provided a means for blocking the longitudinal displacement of the frame to the desired position. In the second case, a means is provided to compensate for the longitudinal displacement of the chassis to maintain it at a desired position even when the ski flexes. Finally, the base is considered to be fixed to the gliding board because, in use, its position on the ski does not vary or little.

The frame 110 also has a vertical extension 112 integral with the base 111 and extending upwardly therefrom in a vertical direction.

The heel 100 also comprises a body 130 rotatably mounted on the vertical extension. To carry out the rotational guidance of the body 130 on the frame 110, the body 130 comprises a sleeve 131, of generally cylindrical shape, having a bore inside which is inserted at least a portion of the vertical extension 112. Thus, at least a portion of the vertical extension 112 is shaped to cooperate with the sleeve 131 so as to guide the latter in rotation about an axis Z1. In this non-limiting example, this axis of rotation corresponds to the vertical when the ski is laid flat.

The frame 110 also comprises a stop 120 integral with the vertical extension 112. In this example, the stop is fixed by a screw 119 on the upper end of the vertical extension 112. The stop is placed above the sleeve 131 and has at least one radial dimension greater than the bore of the sleeve. Thus, this stop 120 prevents or limits the sliding of the body 130 along the axis of rotation Z1 in a first direction, that is to say upwards in the figures.

As illustrated in figure 2 , the vertical extension 112 forms with the base 111 a single piece. The vertical extension 112 has at its upper end a housing 113 configured to partially accommodate a vertical portion 123 of the abutment 120, the vertical portion 123 extending downwardly. The cooperation of the inner and outer shapes respectively of the housing 113 and the vertical portion 123 ensures a good relative positioning between these parts.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, it is the vertical portion 123 of the abutment 120 which has an internal housing, configured to receive the end of the vertical extension 112.

The chassis 110, composed in particular of the base 111, the vertical extension 112 and the stop 120, thus forms a bearing for the rotational guidance of the body 130.

The body is intended to support two rods 51, 52, each having a free end 53, 54 intended to cooperate with a heel 11 of a shoe 10. The heel comprises, in known manner, a housing composed of engagement zones 14 , guiding zones 13 and blocking zones 12 as described above. When engaging the heel, the free ends 53, 54 penetrate into this housing heel.

When the heel is in the descent configuration, the body 130 is positioned relative to the frame so that the free ends 53, 54 are able to cooperate with the housing of the heel of the shoe. The body 130 and the rods 51, 52 are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the gliding board. The two free ends 53, 54 project from the body 130 towards the front of the ski. The two free ends 53, 54 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Hereinafter will be designated as "neutral position", the relative positioning of the rods 53, 54 in this descent configuration.

The body 130 comprises in the upper part of the sleeve 131, a lower flange 133 and an upper flange 134. Each flange extends transversely, on either side of the axis of rotation Z1 of the body. Each flange then protrudes relative to the cylindrical outer shell of the sleeve 131. The two flanges 133, 134 are spaced vertically a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the rods 51, 52. The lower flange 133 extends rearwardly. by a longitudinal extension 132 with reference to a position of the body when the heel is in the descent configuration. Thus, in the descent configuration, when the two rods 51, 52 are in place on the body, they are simply resting on the lower rim 133 and on its longitudinal extension 132 and their free ends 53, 54 protrude from the body 130 forward. The vertical movement of the two rods is, moreover, limited by the lower rims - 133 - and upper 134 of the body. In this for example, the two flanges 133, 134 and the barrel of the sleeve 131 constitute a housing for each of the rods 51, 52.

Each free end 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 thus forms a projection relative to the body 130 and the rest of the heel 100 as shown in the figures.

The rods 51, 52 extend horizontally and are arranged on either side of the vertical extension 112.

The two rods 51, 52 are interconnected by a joining portion 55 so as to form a fork 50. The fork 50 has a general shape of "U". The two arms of the "U" thus form the two rods 51, 52 and the link between the arms of the "U" forms the junction portion 55. The free ends of the arms correspond to the free ends 53, 54. The fork 50 has a axis of symmetry 56 passing equidistantly from the rods 51, 52. The joining portion 55 serves as a holding means for the free ends 53, 54. Thus, this junction portion 55 provides elasticity to the fork tending to bring the rods to the neutral position as soon as the rods are no longer loaded. The fork acts as a spring or an elastic pin whose arms are energized to return to a stable neutral position.

In the neutral position, the fork 50 has a determined relative spacing E1 between the free ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52.

A lateral force greater than a threshold makes it possible to statically deform the arms of the fork 50 and to separate the free ends 53, 54 beyond the neutral position. The fork 50 is dimensioned to exert a return force tending to return the free ends 53, 54 to the predetermined spacing E1 of the neutral position as soon as the rods deviate from the neutral position.

In this example, the joining portion 55 rests on the longitudinal extension 132.

The fork 50 can be inserted into the body 130 by a sliding perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130. The fork 50 is positioned in the housing formed by the two flanges 133, 134.

The body 130 has an opening 135 associated with each rod 51, 52, in the upper part of the sleeve 131. Each opening 135 is configured so that when the rods 51, 52 are inserted into the body 130, part of the rods 51, 52 protrudes inwardly of the sleeve 131 beyond the inner wall of the latter. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 135 are two in number and are located on either side of the vertical axis of the body. An opening 135 appears in figure 3 .

The vertical extension 112 further comprises at least one contact zone 115 positioned with regard to the openings 135. The heel piece 100 is configured so that the contact zone 115 is located at the same height level as the rods 51, 52 when the heel is assembled. Moreover, in certain angular positions of the body 130 relative to the frame 110, each of the rods 51, 52 is in contact, direct or indirect, with a portion of the contact zone 115 associated therewith.

The rotation of the body 130 about the axis Z1 rotates the rods 51, 52. The contact zone 115 is also fixed relative to the gliding board 20 because it is integral with the frame 110 fixed on the ski. Accordingly, each rod 51, 52 is biased by a portion of the contact zone 115 associated therewith.

Within the meaning of the invention, a contact zone 115 is defined by one or more parts intended to be in contact with a rod 51, 52 associated. The position of this relative contact changes as a function of the rotation of the body 130. The contact zone then corresponds to all the contact surfaces between the part or parts and the associated rod.

A contact zone may therefore consist of several surfaces belonging to several parts. It can be performed by a part of a single piece.

According to the invention, each rod cooperates, directly or indirectly, with a determined part of a contact zone. Thus, a first rod 51 cooperates with a first portion of the contact zone 115 and the second rod 52 cooperates with a second portion, distinct from the first portion, of the contact zone 115. Each rod can cooperate with a contact zone which is proper to him. We then have two distinct contact zones, one for each rod. Alternatively, there may be a single common contact area but comprising separate parts, each being intended to be in contact with a specific rod.

In the example shown, the contact zone 115 is carried by the vertical extension 112 forming with the base 111 a single piece. According to a non-illustrated embodiment, it is carried by an insert integrally with the base 111. For example, it may be carried by an outer face of the fixing portion of the stopper 120.

The contact zone 115 may be made by a part of a constituent part, for example, an upper part of the vertical extension 112.

The contact zone 115 may also be formed on one or more inserts on a constituent part of the frame, for example, an upper part of the vertical extension 112. The insert may be a metal blade, a preformed ring, pions ...

Thus, in operation, the trigger mechanism urges the insert and not the constituent part of the frame. As a result, the insert wears and reduces or even eliminates the wear of the vertical extension. It is then easy to replace the patch when worn. This facilitates after-sales service and increases the life of the heel.

In the example shown in figures 5 , 7 , 9 and 11 , the contact zone is made by several pins 116 arranged in housings carried by the vertical extension 112. A contact zone 115 is assigned to each rod and is defined by two pins 116 so that a pin forms a linear support with a rod 51, 52 associated for a particular angular configuration. Thus, during rotation of the body 130, the rods 51, 52 deviate by bearing on the pins 116 rather than the vertical extension 112, reducing the wear of the latter. Thus, in case of wear, the pins 116 can be easily replaced without having to change the rest of the heel 100. The pins 116 are for example hardened metal with a hardness of 60 HRC.

In the case where the contact zone is defined by a cylinder or a pin, for a given angular position, the contact between the rod and the contact zone corresponds to a first generatrix of the cylinder. When the body rotates, the contact changes and corresponds to a second generatrix of the cylinder angularly offset from the first generator. The contact zone thus corresponds to all the generatrices, namely an angular portion of the outer cylindrical surface.

In the illustrated example, a contact zone assigned to a rod is defined by two pins 116. In the neutral position, a rod 51, 52 is in contact with the two pins 116, as can be seen in FIG. figure 5 . When the body rotates in one direction, this rod is then in contact with only one of the two pins 116, as seen in FIG. figure 9 . If it turns in the other direction, this rod comes into contact with the other of the two pins 116. The contact zone 115 is defined here, either by a first piece ( figure 9 ), either by a second piece (not shown) or by the two pieces ( figure 5 ). The contact zone 115 here consists of a portion of the outer shell of the first pin and a portion of the outer shell of the second pin.

To improve the robustness of the heel, the contact zone 115 may be covered with a coating for reducing the frictional wear between the rods 51, 52 and the contact zone 115.

• lorsque le corps 130 est dans une position angulaire correspondant à la configuration de descente, la zone de contact 115 n'agit pas ou peu sur les tiges 51, 52 associées. Selon un mode de réalisation, l'écartement E1 entre les extrémités libres 53, 54 est dimensionné de sorte que les tiges ne peuvent être extraites facilement du logement du talon 11 sans un effort de traction de l'utilisateur. Cette configuration est illustrée en figures 2, 4 et 5 et l'écartement E1 est référencé en figure 5,
• lorsque le corps 130 tourne autour du châssis 110, dans un sens ou dans l'autre, depuis la configuration de descente, la zone de contact 115 agit sur les tiges 51, 52 associées de manière à écarter les extrémités libres 53, 54. Pour écarter ces extrémités libres, il faut exercer un effort latéral sur les tiges afin de compenser le rappel élastique exercé par la portion de jonction 55. En conséquence, pour faire tourner le corps autour de l'extension verticale 112 d'un angle déterminé, il faut exercer un effort déterminé. A partir d'un certain angle de rotation du corps, dit angle de déclenchement, les extrémités libres 53, 54 sortent du logement du talon, selon une direction sensiblement horizontale, ce qui désolidarise l'arrière de la chaussure de la talonnière. Ainsi, pour obtenir le déclenchement latéral de la chaussure, il faut atteindre cet angle de déclenchement et donc exercer un effort latéral seuil de déclenchement sur le corps 130 via les tiges 51, 52. La forme de la zone de contact définit la courbe d'effort à exercer sur le corps pour obtenir un angle de rotation du corps déterminé.

The contact zone 115 is dimensioned so that:

• when the body 130 is in an angular position corresponding to the descent configuration, the contact zone 115 does not act or little on the rods 51, 52 associated. According to one embodiment, the spacing E1 between the free ends 53, 54 is dimensioned so that the rods can not be extracted easily from the housing of the heel 11 without a pulling force of the user. This configuration is illustrated in figures 2 , 4 and 5 and the gap E1 is referenced in figure 5 ,
• when the body 130 rotates around the frame 110, in one direction or the other, from the descent configuration, the contact zone 115 acts on the rods 51, 52 associated so as to separate the free ends 53, 54. to remove these free ends, it is necessary to exert a lateral force on the rods to compensate for the elastic return exerted by the connecting portion 55. Accordingly, to rotate the body around the vertical extension 112 of a given angle, it must exercise a determined effort. From a certain angle of rotation of the body, said release angle, the free ends 53, 54 come out of the housing of the heel, in a substantially horizontal direction, which separates the rear of the shoe of the heel. Thus, in order to obtain the lateral release of the boot, it is necessary to reach this triggering angle and thus to exert a lateral triggering force on the body 130 via the rods 51, 52. The shape of the contact zone defines the curve of the shoe. effort to exert on the body to obtain a determined angle of rotation of the body.

The rotation of the body is obtained during the lateral release resulting from a torque exerted on the shoe about a vertical axis located substantially at the front of the shoe. This pair is transposed by a substantially lateral force as mentioned above. Because the heel rotates about a vertical axis disposed at the front (at the abutment of the attachment), the arcuate path further promotes the removal of the free ends 53, 54 of the heel housing.

For lateral release, the withdrawal of the free ends 53, 54 of the bead housing is made on a substantially horizontal plane, unlike a vertical trigger where the withdrawal is carried out in a substantially vertical plane.

Note that this rotation also causes the spacing of the free ends 53, 54 which facilitates the extraction of the heel rods 51, 52 in a horizontal and vertical direction.

This configuration, called "lateral triggering" is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 . The ends 53, 54 deviate until reaching a distance E2, with E2> E1. The spacing E2 is illustrated in figure 9 .

In this triggering configuration, with the body 130 rotated, the distance D2 between the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130 and the point of contact of a rod 51, 52 with the associated contact zone 115 becomes greater than the distance D1 between these same references in the descent configuration. The distances D1 and D2 are represented in figures 5 and 9 respectively.

This lateral release occurs when a torque is exerted on the body 130. This pair can be unintentional, as is the case when the user falls while he had his heel 11 fixed to the heel 100. This pair may also be intentional, as is the case when the user does not wish to fix his heel 11 to the heel 100 but wishes to keep it free. A pivoting of the body 130 around the axis of the frame 110 then makes it possible to rotate the rods 51, 52 so that their ends are no longer facing the heel 11.

Thus, it is the energy of the "U" that is used to allow or prevent vertical triggering but also to allow or prevent lateral triggering. The contact zone housed between the two rods of the "U" opposes the rotation of the latter which generates a torque proportional to the spacing stiffness of the rods 51, 52 of the "U".

This minimalist structure of holding means and rods enhances the reliability of the heel.

Moreover, this design avoids a possible maladjustment or a drift over time of the value of the triggering thresholds.

Preferably, the contact zone 115 is designed so that the maximum spacing of the ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 is obtained when the body 130 has rotated by an angle of between 30 ° and 70 °.

Thus this construction allows an effective lateral release while distributing the restoring force of the rods on at least two surfaces, which effectively contributes to the robustness and reliability of the heel 100.

The contact zone 115 is also dimensioned so as to provide elastic return of the body 130 and rods 51, 52 to the descent configuration, as soon as the body pivots at least to the lateral release angle. Thus, when the body rotates with a lower return angle to the trigger angle, it undergoes a torque tending to bring it back to its neutral position when it is no longer requested. The contact zone 115 may also allow springback for a return angle greater than the trigger angle. The return angle limit can be between 30 ° and 90 °.

In addition, the lateral release kinematics is minimalist and relies on parts that are simple to manufacture, robust and limited in number, which reinforces the reliability and lightness of the trigger mechanism.

Note that the fork 50 is also responsible for the vertical trigger. Indeed, in case of significant vertical force, for example during a fall before, corresponding to an upward vertical force exerted by the heel 11, the shoe disengages from the rods 51, 52. Because the zone of blocking 12 has, at the entrance, a slope, inclined outwards, towards the bottom of the heel 11, the free ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 slide on this slope by moving apart and out of the blocking zone 12. The free ends 53, 54 then escape from the housing of the heel 11. The heel 11 is released from the heel 100. When leaving the locking zone 12, the rods 51, 52 deviate. This spacing of the rods is effected against the elastic force exerted by the joining portion 55.

To improve the vertical release, each upper flange 134 of the body 130 comprises a lower surface 1341 inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, at an angle α, as seen in FIG. figure 3 . This inclination of this lower surface 1341 combined with the slope of the locking zone 12 contributes to facilitating the spacing of the free ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52. Indeed, a vertical upward force of the rods 51, 52 on these inclined lower surfaces 1341 generates a transverse component in reaction, tending to separate the free ends 53, 54.

It is therefore the fork 50 which conditions both the lateral trip threshold and the vertical trip threshold.

The fork 50 comprising the rods 51, 52 and the joining portion 55 form a single piece, which increases the robustness of the heel 100. Preferably, the fork 50 is made of metal, for example High Elastic Steel.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, at least the portions of the rods 51, 52 intended to cooperate with the contact zone 115 are covered with a coating or a part designed to reduce frictional wear.

In this first embodiment described in Figures 1 to 11 , the heel 100 has a shim 150 intended to support the heel of the skier during the climb. In known manner, a shim 150 is pivotally assembled relative to the body 130. The shim generally forms a "U" profile and rotates about an axis of rotation 151 passing through the end of the two arms 152. profile.

In the example, the axis of rotation 151 of this articulation is substantially horizontal. It is defined relative to the body and extends transversely with reference to the position of the body when the heel is in descent configuration. The two arms extend from the hinge pin 151, on either side of the longitudinal axis of the body 130. A cross member 153 connects the ends of the two arms 152 opposite to the hinge axis. In this descent configuration, the shim can tilt back against a stop to come into the so-called "deactivated" position, or forward against another stop to come to the so-called "activated" position. The cross member 153 and / or the arms 152 then serve as a support zone to the heel 11 in the activated position.

In the first position, called "deactivated" or "retracted", the wedge is positioned so as not to hinder the vertical movement down the heel of the user. The user can then fix his heel to the heel 100 if it is configured for descent.

In a ski touring configuration, the user only fixes the front of the shoe 10 on a shoe retainer called "front stop" and releases the heel of the heel. The front stop is designed to allow vertical mobility of the heel. This climbing configuration is used to climb on flat or on slopes. To facilitate the thrust of the skier, the device provides different heel support heights. For flat terrain, the support height should be close to the top surface of the ski. Conversely, the more you have the slope, the better it is to have support height under the heel.

Rotating the body 90 degrees subtracts the free ends from cooperation with the heel housing. The heel can then directly rest on the upper surface of the ski or on the base 111. This configuration is illustrated in FIGS. Figures 10 and 11 . It is used for flat terrain.

For slopes, the body is maintained in a neutral position for which the rods are adapted to cooperate with the housing of the heel. However, we just add the climbing wedge.

In the second position, called "activated", the shim 150 is able to limit the vertical downward movement of the heel 11. This position is illustrated in FIG. Figures 6 and 7 . In this position, the climbing wedge 150 prevents the heel from reaching the base 111 or the gliding board 20, and assists the user in a steep ascent phase. The climbing wedge 150 is manipulable by hand by the user or with the help of his stick.

The climbing wedge 150 is illustrated in figure 8 in an intermediate position.

Advantageously, the shim 150 is configured, in the activated position, to cooperate with the rods 51, 52, so as to prevent their spacing being sufficient for the body 130 to be able to turn about the vertical extension 112.

In the illustrated example, two abutment portions 155 carried by the arms 152 of the shim 150 are respectively positioned close to each of the rods 51, 52 outside relative to the axis of rotation of the body 130 This proximity allows a direct contact between the abutment portions 155 and the rods 51, 52. The spacing of the rods 51, 52 is then limited, which blocks the rotation of the body 130. Any angular displacement of the body 130 is then prevented. or greatly reduced.

This feature makes it possible to avoid any inadvertent rotation of the body or of the climbing wedge while the climbing wedge 150 is activated, and this without adding complexity, weight or bulk to the heel piece 100. Thus, it secures this configuration, maintaining the operational climb wedge.

On the examples illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 the abutment portions 155 are carried by an additional cross member 154 extending from one arm 152 to the other of the shim. This additional cross member 154 bears on the rods 51, 52, which makes it possible to limit the rotation of the climbing wedge about its articulation axis 151. The user can then easily set up the climbing wedge in this stable indexed position. The heel bearing force is thus taken up by the rods 51, 52.

The body 130 comprises assembly means for alternately locking forks 50 having arms 51, 52 of different lengths with the body 130, while maintaining a predetermined identical distance between the free end 53, 54 of each rod 51, 52 and the axis Z1 around which the body rotates 130.

Thus, a fork 50 can be inserted and removed from the body 130 in a particularly simple manner and without the need for tools.

A first fork can be replaced by a second fork whose properties, in particular the stiffness of the spacing between the two rods 51, 52, are different from those of the first fork. It is thus possible to set the trigger threshold according to the user.

According to one embodiment, the assembly means are deactivatable when the body 130 has a determined angular position relative to the frame 110, typically an angle of 90 ° with respect to the descent configuration. This determined angular position is designated angular position of unlocking. The assembly means allow withdrawal of the fork 50 only when they are deactivated. The heel 100 is configured to prevent deactivation of the assembly means when the body 130 is not in the unlocking angular position.

In the example shown on the Figures 1 to 11 , the assembly means comprise a locking cap 160 articulated pivotally on the body 130, about a substantially horizontal axis 161. The latch cover 160 has two arms 166 which extend from the hinge axis 161 to a holding cover 168 of the fork. A passage opening 164 is thus created between the arms. A locking tab 167 extends longitudinally of the holding cover 168 inside the passage opening 164. The lower face of this cover 168 is arranged opposite the fork 50 and then prevents the fork 50 from moving. For example, the underside of the cover has notches 162 defined by walls 163 each forming an axial stop. These axial stops are shaped so that the fork 50, once inserted into a notch 162, can no longer slide horizontally.

• pour bloquer la fourche 50 lorsqu'il est rabattu sur l'extension longitudinale 132 du corps 130. Cette position est illustrée en figures 2, 5, 7 et 9,
• pour autoriser le retrait de la fourche 50 lorsqu'il est éloigné de l'extension longitudinale 132 du corps 130. Cette position est illustrée en figures 10 et 11.

Thus, the locking cap 160 is designed:

• to lock the fork 50 when folded over the longitudinal extension 132 of the body 130. This position is illustrated in FIG. figures 2 , 5 , 7 and 9 ,
• to allow removal of the fork 50 when it is remote from the longitudinal extension 132 of the body 130. This position is illustrated in FIG. Figures 10 and 11 .

• permettre l'éloignement par pivotement du capot de verrouillage 160 par rapport au corps 130 lorsque ce dernier est dans la position angulaire de déverrouillage,
• empêcher cet éloignement lorsque le corps 130 n'est pas dans la position angulaire de déverrouillage.

The frame 110 comprises a locking abutment 121 arranged so as to:

• allow the locking cap 160 to pivot away relative to the body 130 when the latter is in the unlocking angular position,
• prevent this removal when the body 130 is not in the unlocking angular position.

The lock stop 121 appears clearly on the figure 2 . In this example, it is carried by the stop 120. It is vertically positioned to the right of the locking cap 160 when the body 130 is not in the angular locking position.

The stop 120 has a portion 122 which extends horizontally rearwards and a lower face forms the locking abutment 121. The horizontal part 122 is dimensioned so that, when the body 130 is in the unlocking angular position, the locking stop 121 is not vis-à-vis the locking tab 167 of the cover. In this case, the locking cap 160 can pivot about its axis 161. The portion 122 of the stopper then passes through the passage opening 164. The user can lift the locking cap 160 and move it away from the longitudinal extension 132 of the body 130. The fork 50 can then be removed.

Conversely, when the body 130 is no longer in the unlocking angular position, then the locking abutment 121 is positioned vis-à-vis the locking lug 167. In this case, the rotation of the cover of lock is blocked. The fork 50 is continuously held in position.

Thus, the heel 100 allows to unlock the locking cap 160 by a simple rotation of the body 130 which can be exercised manually and thus ensures the proper locking of the cover 160 in the other positions. This solution is particularly robust, reliable and allows to keep a limited weight.

The stiffness of the spacing between the free ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 depends in particular on the length of the rods, that is to say on the distance between each free end of a rod 51, 52 and the portion Thus, a fork 50 with shorter stems has a stiffness at the spacing of its ends 53, 54 higher than a fork 50 longer rods.

The distance between the free ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 and the axis around Z1 which rotates the body 130 should preferably be identical, regardless of the length of the fork 50, in order to always cooperate with the housing made in the heel 11.

So that this distance remains the same regardless of the length of the fork 50, the heel 100 makes it possible to position the joining portion 55 away from the axis of rotation of the body 130.

For this purpose, the longitudinal extension 132 supporting the joining portion 55 and / or, as is the case in the illustrated example, the underside of the cover has several notches 162, each corresponding to a position of the fork 50 by relative to the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130. On the figures 2 or 5 for example, it appears that the locking cap 160 has three notches 162, the fork 50 shown being sized to fit in the intermediate notch.

It is noted that alternatively or in combination with the change in length of the fork 50 to vary the trigger threshold, it is also possible to provide forks of different sections. The more a fork has a large section, the higher the stiffness at the spacing of its ends 53, 54 and the higher the triggering threshold.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to adapt in a particularly fast, simple manner and without requiring tools, the trigger threshold of the heel This is particularly advantageous when the equipment is rented since the triggering threshold can easily be adapted to the weight or the level of the client who will use the heel piece 100.

Advantageously, the locking cap 160 comprises a housing 165 for the additional cross member 154 of the shim, which reduces the bulk.

This construction allows a common part, the fork 50, to provide the vertical trigger and the lateral trigger.

To meet the safety requirement, the lateral trip value is not the same as the vertical trip value. Thus, preferably, the vertical trip value must be substantially four times greater than the lateral trip value.

To adjust the vertical / horizontal trip ratio, the shape and / or the dimensions of the fork can be modified, for example the section of the rods 51, 52 and / or the joining portion 55.

Moreover, the vertical / horizontal trip ratio can be adapted by modifying the contact zone 115.

Another way of modifying this ratio is to modify the inclination of the lower surface 1341 of the upper flange 134. The greater the angle α, the easier the lateral release.

It is also possible to modify the slope of the blocking zone 12 of the boot.

Alternatively or combined, the vertical / horizontal trip ratio can be adapted by sizing the contact zone 115 so that it biases the rods 51, 52 when in a neutral position, in the descent configuration. For example, when the heel is in its descent configuration, the contact zone causes the initial spacing E1 free ends 53, 54 to facilitate vertical triggering.

The dimensioning of a fork thus defines a single vertical trip value and a single lateral trip value. It is not possible to set the lateral trip value independently of the vertical trip value or vice versa. These two trigger values are therefore directly linked and depend on the design of the fork.

The contact zone 115 is dimensioned so that when the body 130 has a predetermined angular position relative to the frame 110, the two rods 51, 52 are no longer in contact with the contact zone 115 or are respectively slightly in contact with a determined part of the contact zone 115, associated with each rod, to allow removal of the rods 51, 52 outside the contact zone 115 without tools, preferably by a manual action exerted with two fingers only.

Thus, in a particular angular position of the body 130 with respect to the contact zone 115 secured to the frame 110, the rods 51, 52 do not cooperate with the contact zone 115.

Thus, the fork does not clamp the contact zone 115 and can be easily replaced by another, for example when it is worn.

This feature is illustrated in figure 11 . In this figure, the body 130 is rotated more or less 90 ° with respect to the descent configuration in which the rods 51, 52 are facing the housing of the heel 11.

In this position, the contact zone 115 carried by the vertical extension 112 has a face facing the rods 51, 52 which is at a distance D3 from the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130. This distance D3 is dimensioned so that that the distance between the two faces of the vertical extension 112 is less than the spacing E3 of the ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 at rest, that is to say without being solicited in spacing: 2 x D3 ≤ E3.

In this position, the contact zone 115 does not remove the rods 51, 52, which can then be removed easily by a simple horizontal sliding movement.

Note that if 2 x D3 is very slightly greater than E3, without blocking a horizontal sliding of the fork 50, this remains acceptable because the elastic force will be weak, the rods being slightly spaced apart.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18 .

This embodiment includes all the features of the embodiment described above, with the exception of the variants described below, which can be reproduced separately or in combination.

A first variant concerns the shim 250. In this variant, the shim 250 is articulated in rotation on the chassis 110.

More specifically, it is articulated on the stop 220 constituting the extension of the vertical extension 112 of the frame 110. The hinge pin 251 of the wedge 250 is substantially horizontal and transverse to the ski so that the wedge can rotate from the front to the back of the heel piece 100.

The shim 250 is provided on an upper portion 220 of the frame 110 below which pivots at least a portion of the body 130 of the heel around a substantially vertical axis Z1. The body is pivotally mounted around the frame fixed to the gliding board.

In this construction, the frame 110 passes through the body 130 and serves as a bearing on the body 130 for its rotation about a substantially vertical axis Z1.

In this embodiment, the rods 51, 52 ensuring the release of the heel, are disposed on either side of the frame 110 and, more particularly, the portion passing through the body.

Thus, the shim 250 is made independent of the movement of the body 130. In particular, it is not rotated when the body 130 rotates.

This then makes it possible to keep the climbing wedge 250 in the position, activated or deactivated, given to it by the user, without the risk that an involuntary rotation of the body 130 causes rotation of the climbing wedge 250. The operation the shim is completely independent of the angular position of the rotating body.

On the other hand, because the shim is directly attached to the frame fixed on the gliding board, if it is laterally supported on the shim, its position remains always the same with respect to the gliding board. This lateral support can occur when the skier moves in a slope. The climbing wedge is thus continuously functional or non-functional, according to the voluntary action of the user, regardless of the angular position of the body.

The figure 12 illustrates the climb wedge 250 deactivated.

The figure 13 illustrates the climbing wedge 250 activated with the body 130 in the same position as the figure 12 .

The figure 14 illustrates the climbing wedge 250 activated with the body 130 having rotated here at 90 °, from the position of the figure 13 . It can be seen that the climbing wedge 250 has not turned and remains active.

A second variant relates to the means for fixing forks 50 of different length while maintaining a constant distance between the ends 53, 54 of the rods 51, 52 and the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130.

In this second embodiment, the junction portion 55 of a fork 50 is inserted into a holding piece 270 attached to the body 130, for example by being fixed on the underside of a longitudinal extension 132 of the body 130. this embodiment, the longitudinal extension 132 forms an extension of the upper rim 134 to the difference of the first embodiment in which the longitudinal extension 132 forms the extension of the lower edge 133.

This holding piece 270 has a groove sized to accommodate at least a portion of the joining portion 55. The holding piece 270 is also constructed to prevent the horizontal movement of the fork 50, including its sliding parallel to the rods 51, 52.

Furthermore, the cooperation of the retaining piece 270 with the underside of the longitudinal extension 132 of the body 130 defines a housing 273 of closed section which prevents any vertical withdrawal of the fork 50. The latter is blocked when the piece of 270 is attached to the body 130.

The holding piece 270 is fixed by at least one screw 271 or a pin screwed into the body 130.

Advantageously, there is provided a set of holding pieces 270 which all have a different distance between their junction portion housing 273 55 and the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130. Preferably, the same threaded hole 136 provided in FIG. body 130 and the same screw 271 to fix all the holding parts 270 whose distance between the screw 271 and the housing of the joining portion 55 differs.

By means of a screwdriver, it is then very easy to replace the fork 50 and thus to modify the stiffness of the fork 50, thus making it possible to modify the triggering thresholds of the heel piece 100.

On the Figures 16 and 17 two holding pieces 270a, 270b are shown and each reveal a hole 272 for the passage of the screw 271.

That 270a of the figure 16 blocks the joining portion 55 at a distance D4 from the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130.

That 270b of the figure 17 blocks the joining portion 55 at a distance D5 from the axis of rotation Z1 of the body 130 which is very significantly smaller than D4. This second holding part 270b therefore allows the use of a fork 50 provided with longer rods and thus allowing a lower trigger threshold.

The body may comprise several screw holes 136 through which the screw 271 passes. These screw holes 136 are aligned longitudinally, which makes it possible to increase the number of possible configurations. The figures 15 and 18 illustrate an embodiment with two screw holes 136.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the same holding part 270 comprises two housings disposed on the same face of the holding part 270 or on two opposite faces. In the latter case, it is sufficient to turn the retaining piece 270 to use forks 50 of different dimensions.

The holding pieces 270 may also have housings of different sections to accommodate forks 50 of different sections.

According to a variant illustrated in figure 18 , the climbing wedge 250 comprises means for indexing the angular position. The user can thus more easily position it in one or the other of the activated and deactivated positions. Moreover, this indexing prevents the climbing wedge 250 from turning involuntarily from a position assigned to it by the user.

• une excroissance 256 portée par la cale de montée 250, au niveau de l'extrémité libre d'un bras 252 de la cale. L'excroissance 256 est positionnée sur une face externe du bras orientée vers l'extérieur, par opposition à la face interne du bras orientée vers l'autre bras. L'excroissance est positionnée de sorte que, lorsque la cale de montée est dans sa position désactivée, l'excroissance forme un bossage s'étendant sensiblement verticalement d'un trou 257, à l'intérieur duquel passe un arbre définissant l'axe d'articulation 251, jusqu'au bord du bras 252,
• une rainure 224, de forme complémentaire à l'excroissance, portée par la pièce sur laquelle la cale de montée 250 est articulée, à savoir la butée 220 du châssis 110 dans le mode de réalisation illustré en figure 18. La rainure 224 s'étend sensiblement verticalement, de part et d'autre d'un trou à l'intérieur duquel passe l'arbre définissant l'axe d'articulation 251.

For example, this indexing is ensured by:

• a protrusion 256 carried by the wedge 250, at the free end of an arm 252 of the wedge. The protrusion 256 is positioned on an outer face of the outwardly facing arm, as opposed to the inner face of the arm facing the other arm. The protrusion is positioned so that when the climbing wedge is in its off position, the protuberance forms a boss extending substantially vertically from a hole 257, within which a shaft defining the hinge axis 251 extends to the edge of the arm 252,
• a groove 224, of shape complementary to the protrusion, carried by the part on which the shim 250 is hinged, namely the stop 220 of the frame 110 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 18 . The groove 224 extends substantially vertically, on either side of a hole inside which the shaft defining the hinge axis 251.

Furthermore, the arms 256 are mounted on the abutment 220 with a transverse clearance so as to allow slight deformation of the arms in a direction transverse to the ski.

When the climbing wedge is in its deactivated position, the protrusion 256 is housed in a first part of the groove 224 (the upper part or the lower part). This configuration is stable and indexed.

When the user turns the wedge, the protrusion 256 leaves the groove 224, this action causes a slight radial deformation of the arm 256. This configuration is not indexed and not stable.

When the shim reaches its activated position, the protrusion is housed in a second part of the groove 224 (the lower part or the upper part). This configuration is stable and indexed.

This indexing works with a single protrusion 256. Alternatively, one can have two protuberances on the same outer face of an arm 252, namely an outgrowth on both sides of the hole 257. In a variant, the second arm 252 of the shim 250 also comprises one or two protrusions cooperating with a second complementary groove carried by the stop.

The embodiment illustrated in figure 18 presents four growths, two external growths per arm.

The angular orientation of the groove is not necessarily substantially vertical. For example, it can be horizontal. The bosses are then oriented differently accordingly.

Once the shim 250 positioned by the user in one of its operating positions, it is then necessary to exert on the shim 250 a force sufficient to elastically deform the shim 250 at the outgrowth 256. This effort makes it possible to reduce the unwanted rotations of the wedge 250 and help the user to reach the hold position 250 he wishes. This is particularly useful when the user wishes to change the position of the wedge 250 with a stick or gloves that hinders the accuracy of its movement.

Preferably, the wedges 250 come from a profile and the protrusion 256 extends in the main axis of the profile, typically the direction of extension of the arms 252. This simplifies the manufacturing operations of the part.

Other types of indexing can be envisaged. For example, it may be a cam system.

According to a non-illustrated variant that can be applied to any of the embodiments described above, the heel piece 100 comprises two heel wedges 150. These two heel wedges 150 are hinged about their respective axes of rotation, these two axes. being offset or aligned in a longitudinal direction.

The shape of the wedges 150 and the offset or not their axes of rotation allow many forms of combinations. For example, they can support each other or not, to obtain different angles of support of the shoe 10.

In view of the above description, it is clear that the invention provides a particularly robust and lightweight solution to ensure the vertical and lateral triggers of the heel 100. Furthermore, the values of the trips can be changed very easily by a simple replacement energizing means. The wear of the heel 100 is located on simple parts to change, which facilitates the after-sales service and increases the duration of the entire system. Furthermore, the user can easily activate and deactivate the climbing wedge 150, 250 and the risk of inadvertent modification of the position of the climbing wedge 150, 250 are avoided.

In the previous embodiments, the shim is assembled to pivot. Alternatively, the establishment of the shim can result from a translation instead of a rotation or a combination of translational movement and rotation.

According to the preceding examples, the triggering device comprises a "U" shaped fork which defines both vertical and vertical triggering. The triggering force of this device is characterized by the elasticity of the junction portion connecting the two rods / arms. The joining portion corresponds to the holding means within the meaning of the invention.

Alternatively, the invention can be applied to other trigger mechanisms. For example, it may be a mechanism comprising two separate rods, pivoting about a first end, the rods being constrained by a clamping device exerting a force on the rods to bring their free ends. In this case, this device comprises at least one resilient means allowing the necessary approach force. The clamping device then corresponds to the holding means within the meaning of the invention. Such a construction is for example described in the document AT 402020 or WO 2012/024809 . The invention consists in that each rod cooperates with a specific part of an associated contact zone to the rod, so that the rotation of the body supporting the rods causes the spacing of the ends of the rods.

Regarding the mounting wedge formed on the frame passing through the rotating body about a substantially vertical axis, this construction can be considered to other trigger mechanisms. For example, the climbing wedge may be transposed to a heel piece having a lateral release mechanism distinct from the vertical triggering mechanism such as, for example, the heels described in the documents EP 2,608,853 or EP 2 259 850 . It can also be applied to heels having only a vertical release mechanism but whose body supporting the mechanism is rotatably mounted on a frame. It can be applied to a heel having only a lateral release mechanism. It can also be applied to a heel whose triggering mechanism comprises other means interface with the shoe. For example, the interface means may be a jaw instead of the rods.

The invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention also extends to all the embodiments covered by the appended claims. <U> REFERENCES </ u> 10. Shoe 133. Bottom edge 11. Heel 134. Upper edge 12. Blocking area 1341. Lower surface 13. Guiding area 135. Opening 14. Engagement zone 136. Screw hole 20. Board of glide 150. Climbing wedge 21. Upper side 151. Articulation axis 50. Fork 152. Arms 51. stem 153. crossing 52. stem 154. Additional crossing 53. Free end 155. Stop portion 54. Free end 160. Locking hood 55. Junction portion 161. Articulation axis 56. Axis of symmetry 162. guts 100. heel 163. Stop wall 110. Frame 164. Opening of passage 111. Socket 165. Housing 112. Vertical extension 166. Arms 113. Housing 167. Locking tab 114. Passage for screws 220. stopper 115. Contact area 224. Groove 116. pawn 250. Climbing wedge 118. bore 251. Articulation axis 119. Screw 252. Arms 120. stopper 256. excrescence 121. Locking stop 257. Hole 122. Horizontal part 270. Holding room 123. Vertical portion 271. Screw 130. Body 272. Hole 131. Muff 273. Housing 132. Longitudinal extension

Claims (15)

1. Heel unit (100) for fixing a shoe (10) on a gliding board (20) comprising:

   - a frame (110) intended to be fixed to the gliding board (20) and comprising a vertical extension (112),

   - a body (130) mounted so as to rotate about the vertical extension (112),

   - at least two rods (51, 52), supported by the body (130), extending on either side of the vertical extension (112), the two rods (51, 52) each having a free end (53, 54) intended to cooperate with a housing formed in the heel (11) of the shoe (10),

   - a holding means (55) making it possible to maintain a determined separation (E1) between the free ends (53, 54),

   the vertical extension (112) supporting at least one area of contact (115), the latter being fixed relative to the frame,
   characterized in that each rod (51, 52) cooperates respectively with a determined part of the area of contact (115) specific to each rod,
   and in that the area of contact (115) is arranged such that a rotation of the body (130) about the extension (112), from a lowering configuration, leads to a relative separation of the two free ends (53, 54) greater than the determined separation (E1).
2. Heel unit (100) according to the preceding claim, in which each rod (51, 52) and the part of the area of contact (115) which is associated with it are situated at the same vertical level.
3. Heel unit (100) according to either one of the preceding claims, in which a part (112) of the frame (110) passes through the body (130), the two rods (51, 52) being arranged on either side of this part passing through the body.
4. Heel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the two rods (51, 52) and the holding means (55) form a single-piece part (50).
5. Heel unit (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the body (130) comprises assembly means (160) making it possible to alternatively secure the single-piece part (50) having rods (51, 52) of different lengths to the body (130), while retaining an identical predetermined distance between a free end (53, 54) of each rod (51, 52) and the axis (Z1) about which the body rotates.
6. Heel unit (100) according to the preceding claim, configured such that the assembly means (160) can be deactivated when the body (130) is placed in at least one determined angular position relative to the frame (110), the assembly means allowing a removal of the single-piece part (50) only when they are deactivated, the heel unit (100) being configured to prevent the deactivation of the assembly means when the body (130) is not in said at least one determined angular position.
7. Heel unit (100) according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, in which the single-piece part constitutes a U-shaped fork (50).
8. Heel unit (100) according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the single-piece part is inserted into a holding part (270) attached to the body (130).
9. Heel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the area of contact (115) is dimensioned such that, when the body (130) is placed in at least one determined angular position relative to the frame (110), each rod (51, 52) no longer cooperates with the area of contact (115) or cooperates slightly with a part of the associated area of contact (115) to allow a removal of the rods (51, 52) from the area of contact (115) by a manual action.
10. Heel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lifting block (150) that is mobile such that, when it is placed in a determined position, it cooperates with the rods (51, 52) to limit their relative separation.
11. Heel unit (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising a lifting block (250) comprising indexing means (224, 256) making it possible to hold the lifting block in a stable position.
12. Heel unit (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising a lifting block (250) formed on an upper part (220) of the frame (110) below which at least a part (131) of the body (130) pivots.
13. Heel unit (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the upper part (220) of the frame constitutes the extension of the vertical extension (112).
14. System for fixing a shoe (10) on a gliding board (20) comprising a front abutment configured to secure the front of the shoe (10) to the gliding board and comprising a heel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. Gliding board (20) comprising a heel unit (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13.

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