FR2831127A1 - Snow scooter comprises rear support and front steering runners connected by rigid tubular frame having lower portion, fitted with feet support, overhanging and connected to rear runner by articulation - Google Patents

Abstract

The snow scooter comprises a rear support runner (12), a front steering runner (11) steered by a handlebar (13) and a tubular rigid frame (15) connected to the two runners. The frame comprises a lower portion (15.4,15.5) fitted with a support (16) for the user's feet. This lower portion overhangs the rear runner and is connected to it by an articulation (18) with a transverse axis (101) in front of the runner. A rear deformable damper (22) is interposed between the frame and the rear runner behind the transverse axis. The steering column (14) is connected to the steering runner by a deformable front suspension which allows a relative displacement of the steering runner relative to the steering column parallel tot the column axis (100).

Description

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 The present invention relates to a gliding device for snow sports, of the type comprising a rear support pad surmounted by a support for the feet of the user, an anterior steering pad manually adjustable by a handlebar, and a rigid tubular frame connected to the two rear and front pads, said rigid tubular frame having a front portion which forms a receiving sheath for a directional column securing in rotation the handlebars and the front steering pad.

 Snow sliding devices of the aforementioned type are already known, and reference may be made in this respect to documents US-A-4,773,659 and FR-A-2,659,864.

 The gliding apparatus illustrated in document US-A-4,773,659 has a number of drawbacks, both from the structural point of view and for the comfort of use. Indeed, the guidance of the directional column in the associated receiving sheath relates to a very short length, so that the mechanical strength is poor. In addition, the front steering shoe is connected to the directional column by an articulation of transverse axis so that the percussions with the passage of bumps are directly transmitted to the user via the directional column and the handlebars. Finally, the two pads are narrow, which results in a small bearing surface, and above all a position of the feet one behind the other, which can prove to be uncomfortable after a long period of use. . It should be noted that the support for the feet of the user is an integral part of the rear support pad.

 The sliding device described in document FR-A-2 659 864 has a more efficient structure than that of the previous sliding device, insofar as the guidance of the directional column gives better

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 mechanical rigidity. However, there is the principle of an articulated connection for the front steering shoe, with an articulation around a transverse axis, which has the effect of transmitting the percussions to the passage of the bumps, despite the presence of a shock absorber of oblique axis interposed between the column and the anterior guide shoe. The connection structure associated with the front steering shoe is also relatively fragile, which constitutes an additional disadvantage adding to the discomfort of rigidity in the event of vibrations imparted to said shoe. In addition, a support is provided for the feet of the user, which is rigidly fixed on the rear support pad.

 The object of the invention is to design a gliding device which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks and limitations.

 The object of the invention is therefore more precisely to design a gliding device for snow sports, the structure of which has satisfactory mechanical rigidity, and which provides high comfort and optimal flexibility of use.

 This problem is solved by means of a gliding device for snow sports, comprising a posterior support pad surmounted by a support for the feet of the user, an anterior guide pad orientable manually by a handlebar, and a rigid tubular frame connected to the two posterior and anterior skids, said rigid tubular frame having a front portion which forms a receiving sheath for a directional column securing in rotation the handlebars and the anterior steering pad, sliding device in which the rigid tubular frame comprises a lower portion equipped with the support for the feet of the user, said lower portion overhanging the rear support pad and being connected thereto by an articulation of transverse axis

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 arranged in front of said shoe, and a deformable rear shock absorber is interposed between the rigid frame and the rear support shoe, behind the aforementioned transverse axis, and in which the directional column is connected to the front steering shoe by means of a deformable front suspension, said front suspension being arranged to allow relative movement of the front steering shoe relative to the directional column in a direction which is substantially parallel to the axis of said column.

 The combination of the articulated mounting with suspension provided for the rear support shoe, and the deformable front suspension provided for the front steering shoe, provides high comfort and optimal flexibility of use for the user.

 Advantageously, the articulation of the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame on the rear support shoe is defined by two yokes fixed to the rear support shoe in the first third of the length of the latter, each yoke receiving an ear secured to the rigid tubular frame.

 Preferably, the deformable rear shock absorber is interposed between a yoke integral with an oblique portion of the rigid tubular frame, and a yoke fixed to the rear support pad in the rear half of the length thereof.

 Advantageously then, the yoke is mounted on a sole which is screwed onto the rear support shoe, in one of several longitudinal positions depending on the mode of use chosen by the user. In particular, the deformable rear shock absorber is of the oleopneumatic type, and its hardness is adjustable by inflation.

 More preferably, the front portion of the rigid tubular frame forms a receiving sheath for the

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 directional column over more than half the length thereof, with free rotation of said column about its axis over 3600.

 It is also advantageous to provide that the deformable front suspension is of the articulated quadrilateral type, with two superimposed panels each of which is articulated on the one hand on a ring fixed to the directional column, and on the other hand on two uprights parallel recessed on a sole which is fixed on the front steering shoe, a shock absorber being inserted, being mounted in an articulated manner between a yoke integral with the directional column, and a spider supporting the two aforementioned uprights. Advantageously then, the shock absorber of the deformable front suspension is of the oleopneumatic type, and its hardness is adjustable by inflation.

 As a variant of a deformable front suspension of the articulated quadrilateral type, provision could be made for the deformable front suspension to be a telescopic fork whose deformation direction is substantially parallel to the axis of the directional column, and whose hardness is adjustable.

 In all cases, it will be advantageous for the deformable front suspension to be adjusted so that at rest the front steering shoe is lower than the rear carrying shoe, and that in operation the two shoes are substantially in the same horizontal plane.

 Advantageously also, a claw braking device is mounted on the rear support shoe, below the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame.

 Preferably, this braking device comprises two lateral claws movable in translation and in rotation on a common transverse axis, between a position

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 Inactive position where the claws are retracted and raised and an active position where the claws are extended and lowered. In particular, each lateral claw slides in a common sheath, and a combined movement of translation and rotation is obtained for each said claw by means of a pin passing through a helical light.

 Advantageously also, the side claws are actuated from a braking handle mounted on the handlebars, by means of associated traction cables, with the interposition of a ball bearing with two superimposed rings allowing the free rotation of the handlebars on 3600, said claws being permanently returned to their inactive position by an associated spring.

 Finally, it will be advantageous to provide that the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame is equipped with a toe clip, the hooking position of which is preferably adjustable longitudinally.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the description which follows and of the appended drawings, relating to a particular embodiment, with reference to the figures in which: - Figure 1 illustrates in perspective a slides according to the invention; - Figures 2 and 3 are elevational views from above of the aforementioned gliding apparatus (in Figure 3, the support for the feet of the user has been removed for clarity of the representation); - Figure 4 is a detail view illustrating in perspective the deformable front suspension associated with the front steering shoe, said suspension here being of the articulated quadrilateral type; - Figure 5 schematically illustrates a part

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 the braking device also fitted to the aforementioned sliding device, with in a) the inactive position and in b) the active position of one of the two lateral claws that this device comprises; - Figure 6 is a section on VI-VI of Figure 2 to better distinguish the arrangement and operation of the braking device, with a half-cut (right) illustrating a side claw in the inactive position and a half-cut ( left) showing a side claw in the active position.

 As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gliding apparatus for snow sports denoted 10 comprises a rear support pad 12 surmounted by a support 16 for the feet of the user, an anterior guide pad 11 (here less wide) manually orientable by a handlebar 13, and a rigid tubular frame 15 connected to the two rear and front pads 12, 11, said rigid tubular frame having a front portion 15.2 which forms a receiving sheath for a directional column 14 integrating in rotation the handlebars 13 and the front steering shoe 11.

 The general principle of such an arrangement is certainly known, and we will now describe in more detail the original characteristics of the gliding apparatus according to the invention.

 The rigid tubular frame 15 comprises an oblique portion 15.1 which is connected to a front portion 15.2 which forms a receiving sleeve for the directional column 14. These two portions 15.1, 15.2 are arranged in the vertical median plane of the rigid tubular frame 15. The frame 15 further comprises two oblique portions 15.3 and two substantially horizontal portions 15.4 below, the latter being bridged by a cross member 15.5, and joined at the end by a slightly raised U portion 15.6. This rigid tubular assembly

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 will preferably be produced in the form of a unit, the tubular elements of which are made of carbon fiber, with connection end pieces made of light metal such as aluminum. The lower portions 15.4, 15.5 of the rigid tubular frame 15 are equipped with a support 16 for the feet of the user, which support is fixed to the rigid tubular frame by brackets not shown here. In practice, the support 16, for example made in the form of a plate of prepreg carbon fabric, will be extended by a triangular part associated with the oblique portions 15.3, this latter part not being shown here for more clarity. It will also be noted that the lower double portion 15.4 of the rigid tubular frame 15 is equipped with a toe clip 17, the hooking position of which by pins 17.1 is preferably adjustable longitudinally. In Figure 1, the toe clip 17 is shown in phantom to lighten the figure.

 The double lower portion 15.4 of the rigid tubular frame 15 overhangs the rear support pad 12, and it is connected to the latter by a hinge denoted 18 of transverse axis 101 arranged in front of said pad.

The articulation 18 of the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame 15 on the rear support shoe 12 is in this case defined by two yokes 19 fixed to the rear support shoe 12 in the first third of the length of the latter, each yoke 19 receiving an ear 20 secured to the rigid tubular frame 15. This articulated connection 18 along a transverse axis 101 is neither described nor even suggested in the prior art. The articulation arrangement by means of yokes can naturally be replaced by any equivalent system, in particular using bearings or bearings, or even any pivots, for example with two support ball joints defining a transverse pivot axis.

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 It is naturally advisable to control the angular movement between the rear support pad 12 and the double portion 15.4 of the rigid tubular frame 15. This control is ensured by a deformable rear shock absorber 22 which is interposed between the rigid frame 15 and the rear support pad 12, behind the aforementioned transverse axis 101. The deformable rear shock absorber 22 is in this case interposed between a yoke 21 integral with the oblique portion 15.1 of the rigid tubular frame 15, and a yoke 23 fixed to the rear support pad 12 in the rear half of its length. The deformable rear shock absorber 22 will preferably be of the oleopneumatic type, with a hardness adjustable by inflation.

 As the users of the gliding device can be of very different weight, it is interesting to be able to adjust the behavior of the rear suspension according to the weight of the user concerned and also to the desired mode of use. A simple way of making this adjustment is to provide that the yoke 23 is mounted on a sole 25 which is screwed onto the rear support shoe 12 in one of several longitudinal positions depending on the mode of use chosen by the user and the weight of said user. 25.1 has been referenced the screws ensuring the fixing of the sole 25 on the rear support shoe 12, and for example four longitudinal fixing positions will be provided.

 It can also be seen that the front portion 15.2 of the rigid tubular frame 15 forms a receiving sheath for the directional column 14 over more than half of its length, in this case over almost three quarters of this length, which gives excellent mechanical strength, with in addition possible free rotation of said column around its axis 100 of 3600.

 In accordance with another essential characteristic

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 tielle of the invention, the directional column 14 is connected to the front steering shoe 11 via a deformable front suspension 40, said front suspension being arranged to allow relative movement of the front steering shoe 11 relative to the directional column 14 in a direction denoted 102 which is substantially parallel to the axis 100 of said column.

 Such a deformable front suspension, which guarantees that the edges of the two skates are kept in the same alignment, differs radically from the arrangements provided in previous gliding devices based on the principle of a simple articulation around a transverse axis transmitting consequently all the percussions encountered during bumps.

 In this case, provision has been made for a deformable front suspension 40 which is of the articulated quadrilateral type, this quadrilateral possibly in certain particular cases being a parallelogram.

 For a better understanding of the structure of this deformable suspension 40 of the articulated quadrilateral type, reference may usefully be made to the perspective view of FIG. 4.

 The deformable front suspension 40 comprises two superimposed panels 43,44 each of which is articulated on the one hand on a respective ring 41,42 fixed to the directional column 14, and on the other hand on two parallel uprights 45 embedded on a sole 28 which is fixed to the front steering shoe 11 by screws 28.1. The use of superimposed panels 43,44, reminiscent of articulated structures that are found in aircraft undercarriages, allows excellent recovery of parasitic bending moments and confers optimal mechanical rigidity in all behaviors of the deformation of the suspension. We noted 40.1, 40.2,

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 40.3, 40.4 the four pivot axes of the articulated quadrilateral formed by the two superimposed panels 43,44, the lower end portion of the directional column 14 and the two recessed parallel uprights 45.

 Again, it is necessary to control the deformation of this deformable structure 40 in an articulated quadrilateral, which in this case is provided by a damper 47 which is interposed in said structure. The damper 47 is hingedly mounted between a yoke 48 integral with the directional column 14, said yoke being in this case part of the ring 41, and a lower spider 49 bridging the parallel uprights 45 at the level of associated collars 46.

 As before, the damper 47 of the deformable suspension 40 will preferably be of the oleopneumatic type, and its hardness will be adjustable by inflation.

 The structure of the articulated quadrilateral type which has just been described constitutes a particularly advantageous embodiment, but it goes without saying that one could alternatively provide another embodiment in the form of a telescopic fork whose deformation direction is substantially parallel to the axis of the directional column 14, and whose hardness is adjustable (variant not shown here).

 In all cases, the deformable front suspension 40 will preferably be adjusted so that at rest the front guide shoe 11 is lower than the rear support shoe 12, and that in operation the two shoes 11, 12 are substantially in a same horizontal plane.

 In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the aforementioned sliding device can be usefully equipped with a claw braking device mounted on the rear support pad 12, below the double lower portion 15.4 of the rigid tubular frame 15 Indeed, thanks

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 in the superimposed and articulated mounting of the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame 15 with respect to the rear carrier pad 12, there is a space which can be used to accommodate a braking device.

 The braking device 50 is certainly visible in Figures 1 to 3, but we will usefully refer to Figures 5 and 6 for a better understanding of its structure and its mode of operation.

 The braking device 50 comprises two lateral claws 52 which are movable in translation and in rotation on a common transverse axis denoted 103. The lateral claws 52 are thus movable between an inactive position in which the claws are retracted and raised, and an active position wherein said claws are extended and lowered. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the two lateral claws 52 are illustrated in their inactive position, that is to say that they are retracted and raised.

 As can be seen in FIG. 3, the claws in their retracted position do not protrude from the lateral edges of the posterior support pad 12. On the other hand, in their active position, as is visible on the left part (to the left of the axis D) of FIG. 6, the lateral claws 52 protrude from the lateral edges of the rear carrier pad 12, and they are pivoted downwards to bite the snow in order to perform the desired braking action.

 The two inactive and active positions are illustrated schematically in a) and b) respectively in FIG. 5.

 In fact, provision has been made here for each lateral claw 52 to slide in a common sheath 51, and a combined translational and rotational movement is obtained for each claw by means of a guide system with a helical ramp. The common scabbard 51 pre-

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 feel end elements 54 ensuring its rigid attachment to a sole 53 which is here screwed on the rear support shoe 12. The claws 52 are also optionally interchangeable.

 Indeed, if we refer to Figure 6, we see that each claw 52 has a tubular axis 55 mounted to rotate and slide in translation inside the bore of the common sleeve 51. However, this movement is controlled by the presence of a pin 56 passing through an associated helical lumen 57. In the present case, provision has been made for each axis 55 to be equipped with a pin 56, the helical lumen being formed in the lateral wall of the sheath 51. We can naturally provide a reciprocal mounting (not shown here), with a protruding pin inside the bore of the sleeve 51, and a helical groove provided on the axis 55 of each lateral claw 52. The two axes 55 are here connected to each other by a tension spring 59 which thus tends to return the two lateral claws 52 simultaneously to their inactive position, that is to say the straight position relative to the median axis D in FIG. 6.

 For the actuation of the lateral claws 52, a system can be actuated by the user by means of a braking handle 61 mounted on the handlebar 13, in the vicinity of one of the two handles 29 fitted to it. Transmission is in this case ensured by a cable system, comprising a single cable 60 connecting to the handle 61, then, from a splitting sleeve 64, a set of two cables 60 extending along the portion 15.2 of the tubular frame 15, then along the oblique portions 15.3, until passing under the support structure of the legs 16 to finally arrive at a ring 58 provided on the pin 56 associated with each lateral claw 52. Thus, an actuation of the handle 61 has the effect of producing a displacement of

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 each pin 56 in the associated helical slot 57, bringing the corresponding lateral claw 52 into a more or less extended position as a function of the degree of pivoting of the braking handle 61.

 As a variant of the aforementioned cable system, any other mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic control can be used.

 It will be noted in FIGS. 1 and 2 the presence of a ball bearing with two superimposed rings 62, 63. The two cable portions 60 coming from the braking handle 61 are anchored on the upper ring 62, and the two cable portions 60 extending downwards are anchored on the lower ring 63. Thus, the translational connection of the two rings 62 , 63 makes it possible to transmit the tensile force exerted from the handle 61, while preserving the free rotation of the handlebar 13 about its axis 100 on 3600.

 This has resulted in a gliding device whose structure has optimal mechanical rigidity (thanks in particular to the articulated assemblies on yokes and the long sheath for receiving the directional column) and confers comfort and flexibility of use (thanks in particular deformable suspensions, and the flexibility preserved of the end spoilers of the pads) very satisfactory for the user.

 The invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant incorporating, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics set out above.

Claims (15)

1. Snowmobile for snow sports, comprising a rear support pad (12) surmounted by a support (16) for the user's feet, an anterior steering pad (11) which can be manually oriented by a handlebar (13), and a rigid tubular frame (15) connected to the two rear and front pads (12, 11), said rigid tubular frame having a front portion (15.2) which forms a receiving sheath for a directional column (14) securing in rotation the handlebars (13) and the front steering shoe (11), characterized in that the rigid tubular frame (15) has a lower portion (15.4, 15.5) equipped with the support (16) for the feet of the user, said lower portion overhanging the rear support pad (12) and being connected thereto by an articulation (18) of transverse axis (101) arranged in front of said pad, and a deformable rear shock absorber (22) is interposed between the rigid frame (15) and the posterior support shoe (1 2), behind the aforementioned transverse axis (101), and in that the directional column (14) is connected to the front steering shoe (11) by means of a deformable front suspension (40), said suspension front being arranged to allow relative movement of the front steering shoe (11) relative to the directional column (14) in a direction which is substantially parallel to the axis (100) of said column.  2. Gliding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation (18) of the lower portion of the rigid tubular frame (15) on the rear support pad (12) is defined by two yokes (19) fixed to the pad posterior carrier (12) in the first third of its length, each yoke (19) receiving an ear (20) secured to the tubular frame <Desc / CRUD Page number 15>  gide (15).  3. Sliding device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the deformable rear shock absorber (22) is interposed between a yoke (21) secured to an oblique portion (15.1) of the rigid tubular frame (15) , and a yoke (23) fixed to the rear support shoe (12) in the rear half of the length thereof.  4. Gliding apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the yoke (23) is mounted on a sole (25) which is screwed onto the rear support pad (12), in one of several longitudinal positions depending on the mode of use chosen by the user.  5. Sliding device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the deformable rear shock absorber (22) is of the oleopneumatic type, and its hardness is adjustable by inflation.  6. Gliding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the front portion (15.2) of the rigid tubular frame (15) forms a receiving sheath for the directional column (14) over more than half the length thereof, with free rotation of said column about its axis (100) over 3600.  7. Gliding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the deformable front suspension (40) is of the articulated quadrilateral type, with two superimposed panels (43; 44) each of which is articulated d 'firstly on a ring (41; 42) fixed to the directional column (14), and secondly on two parallel uprights (45) embedded on a sole (28) which is fixed on the front steering shoe (11) , a damper (47) being interposed, being mounted in an articulated manner between a yoke (48) integral with the directional column, and a spider (49) bridging the two <Desc / Clms Page number 16>  amounts (45) mentioned above.  8. Gliding apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the damper (47) of the deformable front suspension (40) is of the oleopneumatic type, and its hardness is adjustable by inflation.  9. Sliding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the deformable front suspension is a telescopic fork whose deformation direction is substantially parallel to the axis (100) of the directional column (14) , and whose hardness is adjustable.  10. Sliding device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the deformable front suspension (40) is adjusted so that at rest the front guide shoe (11) is lower than the rear support shoe (12), and that in operation the two pads (11, 12) are substantially in the same horizontal plane.  11. Sliding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a claw braking device (50) is mounted on the rear support pad (12), below the lower portion of the tubular frame rigid (15).  12. Gliding apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the braking device (50) comprises two lateral claws (52) movable in translation and in rotation on a common transverse axis (103), between an inactive position where the claws (52) are retracted and raised and an active position where the claws (52) are extended and lowered.  13. Gliding apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that each lateral claw (52) slides in a common sheath (51), and a combined movement of translation and rotation is obtained for each said claw by means of a pin (56) passing through a <Desc / Clms Page number 17>  helical material (57).  14. Sliding device according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the lateral claws (52) are actuated from a brake handle (61) mounted on the handlebar (13), by means of cables of associated traction (60), with the interposition of a ball bearing with two superimposed rings (62,63) making it possible to preserve the free rotation of the handlebar (13) on 3600, said claws being permanently returned to their inactive position by a spring associated (59).  15. Sliding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower portion (15.4) of the rigid tubular frame (15) is equipped with a footrest (17), the hooking position of which is preferably longitudinally adjustable.