FR2693086A1 - Alpine ski boot - having supple cord between leg and shell and adjusted by cam rotated by button and moving carriage holding ends of cord - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot (1) has a shell (6) and a leg (2) with front (3) and back parts (4). These are articulated on an axle (5) on the shell and pivot backwards and forwards. The angular flexing amplitude is adjusted by a supple inextensible cord (11). This is between a cam (9), on the back of the leg, and a support (10) on the back of the shell. The cam is turned by a button (13) which moves a carriage (12) to which the ends of the cord are fixed, thus adjusting the tension of the cord. The cord loop passes round the lower support. USE/ADVANTAGE - Alpine ski boot with adjustable flexing amplitude of leg.

Description

ALPINE SKI SHOE
The present invention relates to an alpine ski boot comprising a shell base surmounted by a rod which has an anterior part and a posterior part obtained in one or more pieces, and which is at least partially articulated around an axis of the base shell in a postero-anterior and / or antero-posterior direction, between two support elements arranged on the one hand on the rod and on the other hand on the shell base and delimiting between them an angular amplitude of deflection in flexion of the rod forward, relative to an initial reference advance position from which said amplitude and consequently the stiffness of the rod can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device, interposed between the elements d 'support, a minimum amplitude corresponding to a maximum stiffness, and vice versa.

 It is known to control the pivoting or bending of a rod relative to the shell base in alpine ski boots of this kind and in particular by French patent No. 2,073,202.

 This teaches rigid connection means interposed between a fixed point of the shell base in the heel area and one of a series of lights made on the rear part of the upper. These means consist of a metal pin, one end of which cooperates with one of the openings, while the other is in connection with the fixed point of the shell base.

 In such a device, the initial advancing angle is varied according to whether the pin is engaged in a light or in another, but once in place therein, the amplitude conferred by the dimensions of said light remains invariable, since no means of adjustment is provided to modify them. In other words, for different initial angles of advance, the amplitude will always be the same and therefore the stiffness of the rod also.

 However, to meet certain conditions of alpine skiing, it is often necessary to intervene precisely on the stiffness of the rod.

 French patent application No. 2 657 503 shows a device for adjusting the latter parameter, interposed between a rear part of the upper and the shell base in the heel area, so as to control the amplitude of pivoting towards the For this, a stop means is provided, attached to the shell base, vertically adjustable and providing a stop for an element, in this case an axis, carried by a part of the rod.

 Such adjustment of the stop means is effected by sliding in a guide of the shell base and by a series of notches with which a locking finger cooperates.

 The variation in amplitude is therefore effected by the change in the position of the finger.

 This device has the disadvantage of being a complex and delicate implementation.

 Indeed, to modify the position of the finger, which is presented from the inside of the shoe to avoid any protrusion, it is necessary to have recourse to a specialist who will have to disassemble a part of the shoe and to extract the liner for have access to said finger, the initial position thereof corresponding to an average adjustment value, not necessarily suitable for all skiers, who therefore wish to be able to easily intervene themselves on this stiffness adjustment.

 In addition, this device presents difficulties in terms of assembling the parts which must be carried out with precision to allow them to slide during adjustment.

 It is also known a device for adjusting the amplitude of movement of a rod, by the French invention patent No. 2,619,684, teaching means constituted by a piece in the form of an arch which straddles the shell base. on which it is articulated by one of its ends around the same axis as that of the rod, said arch being adjustable in angular position on the shell base to secure the rod both in the advanced position and in angular movement on said hull base.

 In such a device, the adjustment is carried out by means of two stop means interposed between a part of the rod and of the shell base, one of said means being provided with a movable member such as a screws whose adjustment in one direction or the other is likely to modify the amplitude of movement of the rod relative to the shell base.

 A major drawback of this device lies in the fact that it requires an accessory part which is the arch.

 In addition, the adjustment members are arranged projecting from the shoe, which is to be avoided, for obvious safety reasons and the risk of deterioration.

 The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to this end relates to an alpine ski boot comprising a shell base surmounted by a rod which has a front part and a rear part obtained in one or more pieces, and which is at least partially articulated around an axis of the shell base in a postero-anterior and / or antero-posterior direction, between two support elements arranged on the one hand on the rod and on the other hand on the base of shell and delimiting between them an angular amplitude of deflection in bending of the rod forwards, with respect to an initial reference advance position from which said amplitude and consequently the stiffness of the rod can be adjusted by l 'Intermediate of an adjustment device, interposed between the support elements, a minimum amplitude corresponding to a maximum stiffness, and vice versa.

 According to the invention, it is characterized in that the device for adjusting the amplitude, from which the stiffness of the rod is constituted by a flexible and inextensible link placed between the support elements, respectively of the articulated rod and of the hull base constituting attachment points of said link, the path between these points is modifiable to provide it with a state of maximum tension or a state of controlled relaxation which corresponds to a soft grip, such as to allow the rod an angular amplitude of forward movement, predetermined and adjustable, by means of a control member acting on the state of tension of the link directly or indirectly.

 Such a device has the advantage of having a basic element of great simplicity of construction and implementation, which is precisely constituted by the inextensible link.

 In addition, it is adaptable to all types of shoes, whether traditional, central entry or rear entry, see mixed, in which it is easy to provide an internal housing of the link to their rear part, only the control unit remaining accessible from the outside.

The invention will be better understood and other characteristics thereof will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawings, illustrating, by way of nonlimiting example, how the invention can be performed and in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a ski boot, part of which, in vertical section, shows a device for adjusting the stiffness shown in maximum tension, according to a first embodiment.

 Figure 2 is a partial view according to Figure 1, the stiffness adjustment device is shown in the released position.

 FIG. 3 is a dorsal view, partially in section, of a shoe fitted with a device according to FIG. 1.

 FIG. 4 is a side view of a ski boot, part of which, in vertical section, shows a device for adjusting the stiffness, according to a second embodiment.

 Figures 5 and 6 show in plan the circuit of the inextensible link of the adjustment device according to Figure 4, respectively for a maximum stiffness of the rod and for a relaxation of predetermined value.

 FIG. 7 is a side view of the link control member according to FIGS. 4 to 6.

 Figure 8 is a plan view of the control member according to Figure 7 illustrating the profiles of the cams of the eccentric.

 Figures 9, 10 illustrate, seen from the side, different types of shoes produced in accordance with the invention.

 As an illustrative, nonlimiting example, the shoe 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 generally comprises a rod 2 having a front part 3 or front cover and a rear part 4 or rear cover, the assembly being articulated around a rotation axis 5 secured to a shell base 6.

According to the present application, it is the front cover 3 alone which is directly articulated on the shell base 6, the rear cover 4 being articulated by an axis 7, on a lower rear part of said front cover 3.

 A system 8 for clamping and closing the rod 2 on the lower leg of the skier is disposed between the front cover 3 and the rear cover 4 and is constituted in a known manner by a tensioning lever (not shown).

 The rod 2 thus formed is articulated around the axis 5 in a postero-anterior or anteroposterior direction between a first support element 9 secured to the rear cover 4 of the rod 2 and a second support element 10 disposed on the shell base 6 at the heel.

 In this case, the support members 9 and 10 advantageously constitute attachment points for the ends of a flexible and inextensible link 11 constituting the main member of the device for adjusting the amplitude of movement of the rod 2, hence its stiffness.

 The link 11 forms a closed loop circuit passing freely through the lower attachment point 10 and the upper attachment point 9, between which it can be stretched under the effect of a control member constituted by an eccentric disposed on along at least a portion of the circuit or partially registering in said circuit of the link 11.

 In a particularly simple case, not shown, the eccentric 9 advantageously constitutes the upper attachment point, on which the upper end of the link 11 bears directly.

 However, to better distribute the loads when the link 11 is tensioned, a carriage 12 movable in translation has been interposed between said upper end of the link 11 and the eccentric 9 thus constituting an intermediate member for controlling the link tension 11 but also a support member on the link 1 1 by carriage 12 interposed.

 In the case of the use of a carriage 12, the latter closes the circuit of the link 11 by fixing the ends 11a, lb of the latter.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the eccentric 9, forming both a support and a control member, is constituted by a cam rotatably mounted on a dorsal part of the rear cover and is controlled manually by an operating button 13 which is integral with it , by means of an axis 14 supported by two bearings formed in a double partition 4a, 4b between which is housed the entire device, namely the link 11, the cam 9 and, the carriage 12.

 The eccentric or cam 9 is arranged relative to the circuit of the link 11, inside of it so as to be able to act in tension on it, during a rotation action, of predetermined value on the cam 9 by l 'Intermediate of the operating member 13, and via the carriage 12, but not necessarily.

 Still according to the present example, the rotary cam 9 has four bearing faces 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, capable of bearing on a lower face of the movable carriage 12 and of which at least the distances "a" and "b" from the faces 9 and 9d relative to the center O of said cam 9 corresponds to positions of maximum tension and controlled release of link 11 respectively.

In the released position, the carriage 12 is found free in translation along Fi, to resume its
support position on the face 9d, in a direction of translation F2 during a resumption of stiffness.

 Furthermore, it will be noted that the link 11 forms a loop 1 there at its part opposite to the carriage 12, capable of cooperating with the lower attachment point 10 of the shell base 6 which also constitutes a rear support element of the part 4c of the rod 4.

 According to another characteristic linked to the present embodiment, one of the ends 11a of the link 11 is fixed to the carriage 12 by means of taring means 40 capable of compensating for the games present.

 Also, advantageously, the attachment point 10 or the rear support element comprises vertical adjustment means 41 so as to be able to vary the initial advancement position of the rod 2.

 In this way, according to the adjustment device described above, the travel of the link 1 1 between the attachment points 9 and 10 or 12 and 10 can be modified as a function of the position of the cam 9, to give it a state controlled relaxation which in fact corresponds to a slack, such as to allow the rod an angular amplitude of angular forward movement, predetermined and adjustable with respect to an initial reference advance position, from which one can modify the amplitude and consequently the stiffness of the rod 2, a minimum amplitude, corresponding to a maximum stiffness and vice versa.

 In order to avoid the disengagement of the link 11 from the sliding corridors 15, 16, 17 are provided punctually along its course.

 The embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 8 differs essentially from the previous in the particular route or circuit of the link 20 and in the arrangement of the eccentric 21 which results therefrom.

 To this end, the closed circuit, formed by the flexible inextensible link 20, describes three successive loops 22, 23, 24 obtained by a double crossing A, B of two strands 20, 20b of the link 20, so as to define a share two end loops 22, 24 able to cooperate respectively with the attachment points 25, 10 respectively of the rod 2 and the shell base 6 and on the other hand an intermediate loop 23 in which the eccentric 21 so that when it rotates, it acts in tension and in deformation on said intermediate loop 23 to vary its perimeter, in a transverse direction F3 and consequently cause the modification of the active length L , L 'of the center distance of the end loops 22, 24, acting as much on the amplitude of the rod 2 relative to the bottom of the shell 6, hence on the stiffness.

 As the comparative figures 5 and 6 show particularly well, between a maximum spacing 9 for a hard or stiff position of the rod 2 and a minimum spacing dl for a flexible position, we realize that we obtain a gain in length useful link: L '- L = e.

 According to another characteristic of this second embodiment, the deformation of the intermediate loop 23 is obtained by an eccentric 21 having the particularity of being constituted by two triangular rotary cams 26, 27, superimposed whose axis of rotation O 'of each of them merges and is offset in abscissa and in ordinate compared to their virtual center. In addition, the two cams 26, 27 are offset angularly with respect to each other by 1800 around their center of rotation O 'which merges itself with the center of a fictitious circle 28 in which s' write the two triangular cams 26, 27 thus arranged.

 In this way, each of the strands 20a, 20b of the central loop 23, passing respectively over one of the cams 26 or 27, their spacing d, d ', etc. in the lateral direction F3 will correspond, depending on the position of the eccentric 21, at one of the three distances C, D, E, successively induced by the parallel sides p p ', m m', nn 'forming on the one hand the triangular cam 26 with respect to the sides p ', m', n 'and on the other hand the triangular cam 27 for the sides p, m, n.

 According to the example chosen (FIG. 8), the angles formed by the sides n, m of the cam 27 or n ′, m ′ of the cam 26, have a value of 60, while the angles formed by the side n 'of the cam 26 or n of the cam 27, relative to the horizontal axis XX' of the whole of the eccentric, have a value al of 30 ".

 According to another characteristic of the invention (FIG. 7), the field of each of the triangular cams 26, 27 constituting the eccentric 21 includes a groove 26â, 27â capable of guiding the respective strands 20a, 20b of the link 20.

 According to another characteristic of the invention, the attachment point 25 of the upper end loop 22 of the link 20 is constituted by a return pulley fixed to a rear internal part 4d of the rod 4.

 As in the previous embodiment, the attachment point 10 of the lower end loop 24 of the link 20 is formed by a hook directed downwards and also constitutes a rear support element intended for the rod 2, more precisely to its rear cover 4.

 The hooking element 10 is also vertically adjustable as before.

 Still within the framework of the present invention, the shoes can have structures different from those described above and benefit in the same way from a device for adjusting the stiffness of the upper as described above, according to these two different embodiments given as examples. It will be noted however that in the type of shoe which has just been described, the implementation of a flexible link 20 is essential to authorize the tilting of the rear cover 4 towards the rear during the putting on and taking off because the point of lower hooking 10 is lower than the hinge pin 7 of said rear cover 4. This is also the case in the example of shoe 1A illustrated in FIG. 9 which follows. This shoe of the "mixed entry" type "or" central entry "has a front cover 3A which is articulated in the area of the toe of the boot by means of a hinge 30 allowing its tilting upwards during heaving and downwards when tightening the foot in the shoe, while the rear cover 4A pivots around the articulation 31, to allow putting on and taking off easily.

 On the other hand, in the type of shoe lB illustrated in FIG. 10, the upper 2B forms a single collar pivoting around the axis of rotation 5 secured to the shell base 6B. Thus, the stiffness adjustment device according to the invention intervenes between the rear wall 4B of the rod 2B and the shell base 6B without there necessarily being a rearward tilting of said rear part 4B. In this case, the flexible link 20 can then be replaced by a semi-flexible or at least relatively stiff element, obviously depending on the structure of the stiffness adjustment device used. This shoe 1 B, called "central entry" or "from the front" has a transverse tongue 32 which at least partially covers another tongue 32a, these tongues having come from the shell base 6B and belonging to the front part of the shoe 1B and being closed by tightening systems 33, 34. The upper 2B is closed by other tightening systems 35, 36.

Claims (14)

 1- Alpine ski boot (1, 1A, lB) comprising a shell base (6, 6A, 6B) surmounted by a rod (2, 2A, 2B) which has a front part (3, 3A, 3B) and a posterior part (4, 4A, 4B)  obtained in one or more pieces, and which is at least partially articulated around an axis of the shell base (6, 6A, 6B) in a postero-anterior and / or antero-posterior direction, between two support elements arranged on the one hand on the rod and on the other hand on the shell base and delimiting between  them an angular amplitude of deflection in bending of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) towards the front, compared to an initial reference advance position from which said amplitude and consequently the stiffness of the rod may be adjusted by means of an adjustment device interposed between the support elements, a minimum amplitude corresponding to a maximum stiffness, and vice versa, characterized in that the amplitude adjustment device hence the stiffness of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) is constituted by a flexible and inextensible link (11, 20) disposed between the support elements, respectively of the articulated rod (2, 2A, 2B) and of the shell base (6 , 6A, 6B) constituting attachment points (9-10; 25-10) of said link (11, 20), the course of which between these points can be modified to give it a state of maximum tension or a state of controlled release which corresponds to a soft grip, such as to allow the rod (2, 2A, 2B) an amp angular length of forward movement, predetermined and adjustable, by means of a control member (9, 21) acting on the tension state of the link (11, 20) directly or indirectly.  2- ski boot according to claim 1 characterized in that the adjustment member (9, 21) is integral with a rear portion (4, 4A, 4B) of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) and s' registered in a closed circuit, formed by the link (11, 20) which is arranged freely between the respective attachment points (9-10 25-10) of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) and the shell base (6, 6A, 6B) to connect them.  3- ski boot according to claim 2 characterized in that the adjustment member (9, 21) is constituted by an eccentric disposed along at least a portion of the link circuit (11, 20) in such a way, to be able to act in tension thereon, during a rotation action of predetermined value on said eccentric.  4- ski boot according to claim 3, characterized in that the eccentric (9) is constituted by a rotary cam acting in tension on the link (11) via a carriage (12), movable in translation , on which are fixed two ends (11k) of the link (11) to close the circuit, and which constitutes a resumption of rigid support of the link (11) on the cam (9).  5- ski boot according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotary cam (9) has at least two bearing faces (9a, 9b, 9g, 9A) on the mobile carriage (12), their distance (a , b) relative to the center of rotation O of said cam (9) corresponds to positions of tension or controlled release respectively of the link (11).  6- ski boot according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one of the ends (1 the 1 lb) of the link (11) fixed on the carriage (12) comprises taring means (40) capable of compensating the games involved.  7- Ski boot according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the link (11) forms a loop (1 read at its part opposite the carriage (12), capable of cooperating with the lower attachment point (10) of the shell base (6, 6A, 6B) which also constitutes a rear support element of the part (4Ç) of the rod (4, 4A, 4B).  8- Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closed circuit, formed by the inextensible flexible link (20), describes three successive loops (22, 23, 24) obtained by a double crossing ( A, B) of two strands (20a, 20b) of the link (20), so as to define on the one hand two end loops (22, 24) able to cooperate respectively with the attachment points (25, 10 ) respectively of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) and of the shell base (6, 6A, 6B), and on the other hand an intermediate loop (23) in which the eccentric (21) is inscribed so that during a rotation thereof, it acts in tension and deformation on said intermediate loop (23) to vary its perimeter, in a transverse direction (F3) and consequently cause the modification of the active length ( L, L ') of the center distance of the end loops (22, 24), acting accordingly on the amplitude of the rod (2, 2A, 2B) relative to the bottom of the shell (6, 6A, 6B), hence the stiffness.  9- Shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the eccentric (21) consists of at least one triangular rotary cam (26, 27) whose axis of rotation (O ') is offset on the abscissa and on the ordinate by compared to its virtual center.  10- Shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that the eccentric (21) defines three fixed positions, conferred by two triangular rotary cams (26, 27) superimposed whose axis of rotation (O ') of each of them merges and is offset on the abscissa and on the ordinate with respect to their virtual center, the two cams (26, 27) being moreover angularly offset relative to one another, by 1800 around their center of rotation (O '), which merges with the center of a circle (28), in which are inscribed the two triangular cams (26, 27) thus arranged, so that the strands (20a, 20b) of the central loop (23 ) bearing respectively on one or the other of the cams (26, 27), are separated by a spacing (d, d ') in the lateral direction (F3) which corresponds according to the position of the eccentric to the one of the three distances (C, D, E) successively induced by one of the three sides (m, n, p) of the triangle forming one of the cams (27) with the side co corresponding parallel (m ', n', p ') of a triangle forming the other cam (26), angularly offset by 1800 relative to each other.  11 - Ski boot according to claim 10, characterized in that the field of each of the triangular cams (26, 27) constituting the eccentric (21) has a groove (26a, 27a) capable of guiding the respective strands ( 20a, 20b) of the link (20).  12- Ski boot according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the attachment point (25) of the upper end loop (22) of the link (20) is constituted by a fixed return pulley on a rear internal part (4cul) of the rod (4, 4A, 4B).  13- Ski boot according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the attachment point (10) of the lower end loop (24) of the link (20) is formed by a hook directed towards the bottom and also constitutes a rear support element intended for the rod (2, 2A, 2B).  14- Shoe according to claim 7 or 13, characterized in that the attachment point (10) or the rear support element, comprises vertical adjustment means (14) so as to be able to vary the position of initial advance of the rod (2, 2A, 2B).