FR2890317A1 - Boot fastening for ski or similar has articulated coupling with transverse rod for pivot - Google Patents

Abstract

The fastening (10), which includes a lock mechanism with an articulated coupling and is anchored to an interface member (60) between the boot and ski or similar sports article, has the axis of the articulated coupling provided by a transverse rod (39) that forms at least part of the anchor between the fastening and interface member. The rod pass through the interface member, a base (12), and the articulated element (38) of the lock mechanism, which can be equipped with a fastening lever or rod.

Description

PERFECTLY ANCHORING FIXING DEVICE

  The invention relates to the field of fastening devices of an article of footwear on a sports article such as a gliding machine.

  The invention will be more particularly described in its application to a device for attaching a shoe to a gliding device (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating or roller skating, etc ...), even more particularly in its application to a ski boot binding device on the ski corresponding.

  In all cases, such a fastener comprises a locking mechanism intended to cooperate with a connecting member of the footwear, and an opening system manipulable by a user to control the opening of the mechanism.

  The locking mechanism may be of very varied types, as well as the corresponding connecting member of the footwear.

  In many fasteners, including cross-country skiing, hiking or Telemark, the binding member of the shoe consists of a connecting pin which is intended to be trapped in a jaw. Such a system is for example described in patent applications FR-2,638,974, FR-2,645,764, FR-2,834,473, FR-2,742,060, FR-2,856. 312, FR-2,738,158, EP-551,899, EP-904,139.

  In other devices, the binding member of the boot consists of two parts: two parallel connecting pins (EP-679, 415, FR-2,853,253, FR-2,843,310 and WO-01/93963). ), a front stop is a rear hooking nose (FR-2,776,200, FR-2,733,159, EP-1,100,601, DE10.2004.018.296).

  Other devices are described, for example in EP-1.492. 598.

  All these devices comprise a locking mechanism, which is provided with at least one moving part which is intended to cooperate with the binding member of the boot. This movable piece can be moved, usually by articulation about an axis, between an active position, in which it ensures the locking between the connecting member and the fixing device, and an unlocking position in which it allows the connecting member, and thus also to the shoe, to be separated from the fastener.

  Some of the known fastening devices are of the step-in type, (also called semi-automatic or automatic locking), insofar as they allow that the locking of the connecting member on the fixing device is done without further intervention. the user to approach the connecting member of the fastener, and to exert some effort to cause locking. In most cases, it is the interaction of the connecting member (or another part of the shoe), with a corresponding element of the fixing device that causes this automatic locking. In some devices, it is necessary to bring the attachment into an open state (by a separate operation, usually manual), the interaction causing only the closing of the locking mechanism (e.g. EP-1.100.601). In other devices, the locking mechanism is in a closed state and the interaction causes the opening of the mechanism which then closes automatically, usually under the effect of an elastic member (see for example FR-2.645.764 ).

  In other devices, the user must perform a specific operation of opening and closing for both the boot and the heaving.

  In all cases, however, the locking mechanisms include an opening system that allows the user to control the mechanism to its open (or unlocked) state, in order to allow the user to release, at will and without excessive stress, the footwear article of the fastening device. The opening system (usually a lever, a zipper or a button) must thus be brought from a first position to a second position to cause the unlocking. The user manipulates this system either by hand or with the aid of an accessory, for example a ski pole. Optionally, this manipulation can be a two-step manipulation, with a pre-opening (consisting for example of causing the lifting of a gripping member), then an opening itself (by manipulating the previously updated gripping member). In the prior art, for a given opening system, the open position is always the same and the handling direction of the opening system to cause the unlocking is always the same.

  Various means are known for anchoring such a fastening device on a sports article. In many cases, the anchoring is simply provided by screws that anchor the device directly on the sporting article. In other cases, the fastening device is directly glued or welded to the sporting article, or even snugly fitted on the ski.

  In WO88 / 04563, there is provided a fixing device which is mounted on an interface element which is secured to the ski. This interface element forms a longitudinal slide in which the fixing device can slide. The fixing device has specific blocking means of its longitudinal position with respect to the interface element. These means comprise firstly a vertical screw at the front, which enters the ski and secondly an eccentric toothed wheel cooperating with a side rack. These specific blocking means are relatively complex and therefore penalizing in terms of manufacturing costs.

  In WO 03/002217, the device is fitted elastically on the interface element, without it being provided with several predetermined positions of the attachment with respect to the interface element.

  In WO2004045728, it is not described in detail how an attachment may be locked longitudinally on the interface element.

  In the document DE-10.2004.024.881 there is described a fixing device mounted on an interface element and comprising toothed rockers, forming part of the base of the fastener, and provided for cooperating with corresponding racks formed on 2890317 3 the interface element. The toothed rockers are relatively complex to achieve, and they impose a useful height that enhances the level of fixation.

  The object of the invention is in particular to propose a new design of locking means of a fixing device on an interface element.

  Device for attaching a boot to a sports article, of the type in which the fixing device comprises a locking mechanism provided with at least one member articulated about an axis of articulation, of the type in which the device of fixation is anchored to an integral interface element of the sports article according to one of a plurality of predetermined positions, characterized in that the axis of articulation of the opening mechanism is materialized by a transverse rod, and in that that the transverse rod makes it possible at least partly to anchor the fixing device on the interface element according to one of the predefined positions with respect to the interface element.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description, as well as on the attached drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a fixing device that can be anchored; on an interface element, in this case a slide secured to a ski; Figure 2 is a more detailed view of the device of Figure 1, once anchored to the interface element, illustrating more particularly the locking mechanism in an open position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 2, in which the locking mechanism is illustrated in an unlocking position; and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG.

  The invention will here be described in its application to fasteners for cross-country skiing 11.

  The exemplary embodiment of a fixing device 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a base 12 which could be made of several parts, some or not of these parts being optionally integrated in the sport article 11.

  In the example shown, the device is intended to ensure the attachment of a shoe having two-part connection means. The shoe has two connecting bars which are arranged in the sole of the shoe so as to be flush with it. Bonding strips of this type are described in patent applications EP-A-913,102 and EP-A-913,103, which will be usefully referred to for further details. Thus, it is here two cylindrical bars of revolution arranged across a longitudinal groove in the underside of the sole. The front bar is for example located in the vicinity of the front end of the sole and the rear bar is shifted rearward by a defined distance to be arranged at or in front of an area of the shoe corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal flexion zone of the user's foot. This arrangement of the binding areas is particularly appreciated in cross-country skiing because it allows, with a soft sole shoe, to maintain a flexion of the shoe corresponding to that of the foot. However, the invention could be implemented with connecting members having another geometry or another configuration, for example non-circular section bars, hooks, nozzles or grooves formed directly in the material of the sole, etc ...

  The front strip is intended to cooperate, in a manner known per se, with a locking mechanism 19 comprising a mobile jaw 20, hook-shaped, and a transverse edge 22 of the base constituting a fixed jaw, for the rotary locking of the shoe on the sport article. Once locked in the locking system, the front linkage bar can rotate freely within the jaw, thus providing an articulated attachment of the front end of the shoe.

  The rear bar is intended to allow the attachment of an elastic return system integrated in a guide edge 24 of the device. Such an elastic return system is for example described in the document EP768.103 in the name of the applicant. It thus comprises a rod 26 having a hook-shaped front end 28 (intended to catch on the rear bar), and a rear end connected to the base 12 so as to be able to slide longitudinally and pivot about a transverse axis. Elastic return means (not visible) tend to return the rod 26 in the rest position shown in Figure 1. In this way, when the heel of the shoe is raised, by pivoting the shoe around its front bar, the rod 26, attached to the rear bar, can follow the upward movement and forward of the rear bar, while exerting on it a return force that tends to bring the sole of the shoe to the face superior of the ski.

  The invention may also be implemented for devices comprising other elastic return means, for example having, at the front of the fixing device, an elastic buffer against which the front end of the boot bears when his heel lifts. In the latter case, the shoe may then comprise only a link bar.

  In Figures 2 to 4, there is more particularly the locking mechanism 19 of the front bar of the shoe. The operating principle of the locking mechanism is here perfectly known from the prior art (as for example in the systems marketed by the applicant under the trade name SNS Profil Auto), and it is only described here as an indication, knowing that the invention can be implemented with other types of locking mechanisms.

  As indicated above, the locking mechanism 19 essentially comprises a carriage 30 which is movable longitudinally between a rear locking position (illustrated in FIG. 1) and an advanced unlocking position (FIG. 2). The carriage, for example made of molded plastic material has an upper hook 32 curved upwardly and rearwardly. The carriage may comprise a metal reinforcement 34 which protects the inner face of the hook 32, which is intended to form a housing for the front bar of the boot. Indeed, when the carriage 30 is in the retracted position, the hook 32 is facing the transverse edge 22 of the base 12 to delimit with it a housing, open transversely at both ends, adapted to receive the bar. When the bar is received in the housing and the carriage is in the retracted position, the bar is locked there and can only pivot about its axis. On the contrary, when the carriage 30 is brought to its advanced position (illustrated in Figure 2), the housing opens upwards, allowing the output of the bar out of the housing, or its introduction into the housing.

  This first example of fastening device 10 is provided with an automatic engagement locking mechanism. It can be seen indeed that the locking mechanism comprises a compression spring 36 which is supported on the one hand on the base 12 and on the other hand on the carriage 30 to push the latter to its rear locking position. Furthermore, it can be seen that the hook 32 of the carriage and the transverse edge 22 comprise portions of ramps forming a V-shaped profile. A user can thus engage the front bar of his shoe resting on the ramps of the hook and the transverse edge. of the base and, by simple vertical support, cause, thanks to the ramps, the advance of the hook, against the action of the spring 36. Once the carriage 30 has advanced sufficiently, the bar can s' engage inside the housing, and the spring 36 can cause the carriage 30 to return to its locking position in which the hook 32 prevents the bar can not leave the housing. Such an automatic engagement locking mechanism is advantageous because it allows the locking of the boot on the fastening device without particular intervention of the user, unlike other mechanisms where the locking of the shoe requires one or more manual operations of the user.

  In a known manner, the fixing device comprises a system that can be manipulated by a user in order to control the opening of the locking mechanism. However, according to an innovative and inventive aspect, the opening system that will be described is capable of being manipulated, directly or indirectly, indifferently in at least two distinct directions of manipulation to control the opening of the mechanism.

  In the examples described, the opening of the locking mechanism requires the carriage 30 to move longitudinally forward of its locking rear position to its open forward position. Of course, with other locking mechanisms the opening control could require to control other movements of the moving part (translation, rotation or combination of both), and / or the same type of movement but with a different meaning .

  In the first embodiment of the invention, the opening mechanism is arranged at the front end of the fixing device, and it comprises two separate control members which are each manipulable in one of at least two directions of manipulation.

  The first control member is a lever 38 which is articulated by its hinge front end to the base 12 around a hinge pin 39 of transverse axis Al. The lever is extended by a gripping pallet 40 which , in its rest position shown in Figure 1, extends substantially horizontally rearwardly above the base 12. The second control member is a slide 44 whose rear end is connected to the carriage 30 by a hinge pin 46 of transverse axis. The hinge pin 46 makes the slide 44 integral with the carriage 30 in translation. The front end of the slide 44 is connected to the lever 38 by a connecting rod 48 of transverse axis. The rod 48 passes through the front end of the drawer 44 transversely from one end and has two transverse end portions which are received in slots arranged in parallel flanges of the lever 38, which flanges extend vertically and longitudinally under the pallet 40. The front of the drawer 44 is transversely framed by the two flanges 52 and the two slots 50 are inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees forward and downward. The connecting rod 48 thus connects the slide 44 to the lever 38, allowing the two elements to have relative displacements in translation and in rotation.

  Furthermore, it can be seen that the slide 44 comprises, in its front part, a head 54 which extends upwardly so as to project outward through an opening in the center of the gripping pallet 40 lever 38.

  At rest, the lever 38 is supported in a low position on the base, while the drawer 44 is itself, under the effect of the spring 36 and via the carriage 30, in a retracted and high position in which the connecting rod 48 which is connected to the slide 44 is received substantially at the high rear end of the oblique lights of the lever 38.

  According to the invention, the user can cause the opening of the locking mechanism by two separate actions.

  First, the user can exert on the head 54 of the drawer 44 a substantially vertical pressure from top to bottom, for example with the hand or with the end of a ski pole (the use of a stick allowing it to open the device without having to bend down). Under the effect of this pressure, the connecting rod 48 which is connected to the slide 44 will slide in the slots 50 of the lever 38. Indeed, the latter then remains stationary because it is in abutment 30 on the base 12. Sliding in the oblique lumens 50, the connecting rod 48 will cause a transformation of the vertical force exerted by the user in a combined movement of the slide 44 (as in a cam system), this movement being the combination of a forward longitudinal translation and a rotation around the axis of the rod 46 (in the counterclockwise direction in the figure). Because the slide 44 and the carriage 30 are connected by a pivot connection, the longitudinal translational component of the movement of the slide 44 is directly transmitted to the carriage 30, which is thus controlled to its position before opening. Of course, as soon as the user releases his effort on the head 54 of the drawer 44, the spring 36 returns the slide 44 to its rest position, and, at the same time, the carriage 30 to its locking rear position.

  Secondly, as shown in FIG. 2, the user can grasp the handle pad 40 of the lever 38 and lift it upwards, thereby causing the lever to rotate about the axis A1 of the hinge pin 39 (counter-clockwise in the figures). By this movement of rotation, the lights of the lever 38 drive with them the connecting rod 48 which is integral with the slide 44. The slide 44 is thus driven forward, taking with it the carriage 30 to its unlocking position before. As in the first case of opening, as soon as the user releases the lever 38, the spring 36 returns the carriage 30 and the slide 44 to their rest position, and the latter brings back, via the connecting rod 48, the lever 38 to its initial position.

  This opening system can therefore be advantageously handled in two ways. The first way is a pressure exerted essentially down. The second way is essentially pulling upwards. At any time, the user can choose how to control the opening of the mechanism that will be most convenient for him.

  According to the invention, the attachment device can be attached to a sports article, in this case a gliding device such as a cross-country ski, very simply and quickly, and with a possibility of adjusting its position. on the sport article.

  Indeed, the fixing device 10 is intended to be linked to the ski by an interface element 60 which is integral with the ski. The interface element 60 may be a specific piece anchored to the ski (by screwing, welding, gluing, etc.) or may be an integral part of the ski in the sense that it is anchored to the ski during the manufacture of the ski . In the illustrated example, the interface element is a slideway in the sense that it is designed as a longitudinal section (in this case of the female type) which presents, in cross-section, a complementary shape of the cross section of the base 12 (in this case of the male type, but the shapes could be reversed). The interface element 60 thus forms a kind of housing in which the base 12 can be engaged by sliding in the longitudinal direction. By this cooperation of complementary shapes, the base 12 is thus blocked transversely, vertically, and in rotation, but it remains the possibility to move longitudinally in the interface element, and therefore with respect to the ski.

  For this, it is necessary to provide locking means in this longitudinal direction.

  According to the invention, these locking means comprise one of the articulation rods of the locking mechanism, and they make it possible to anchor the fixing device longitudinally in one of several predefined longitudinal positions.

  In this case, we have seen that the lever 38 of the locking mechanism is articulated on the base 12 by a hinge pin 39. For this, as is apparent from Figures 3 and 4, the lever 38 has a transverse bore 37 and it is received between two side flanges 13 of the base 12 which are pierced with corresponding orifices 15. The rod 39 is intended to be engaged transversely through the bore 37 and the corresponding orifices 15 when aligned , to achieve the articulation of the lever on the rod.

  The interface element also has a series of holes 62 which are arranged in side walls 64 between which the base is received. The holes are arranged in pairs aligned transversely. When the base is engaged in the interface element, it is possible to align the alignment bore 37 of the lever 38 / holes 15 of the base with a pair of holes 62, so that the rod 39 ( which length is provided accordingly) can be engaged simultaneously through the three elements, ensuring on the one hand the articulation of the lever 38 on the base 12, and the longitudinal locking of the assembly on the interface element 60. Since several pairs of holes are provided on the interface 62, the pairs being offset longitudinally from each other, it is possible to choose and adjust the longitudinal position of the fixing device with respect to the interface element. 60 between several predetermined positions.

  In this embodiment, it is understood that, in the absence of the locking element constituted by the hinge axis 39, the fixing device can slide between the different predetermined positions. The hinge pin 39 thus ensures the effective anchoring of the device 10 by locking the longitudinal sliding.

  However, the invention could also be implemented without the base connection / interface element 60 forming a slideway. It could be a simple connection by interlocking (for example by vertical interlocking) of the base on the interface element, several discrete nesting positions being provided. The locking rod 20 would then anchor the device by preventing it from moving vertically in the disengagement direction.

  Similarly, other elements of joints could be used to form the locking means. Thus, certain opening mechanisms comprise several articulated elements, with for example a link of movement, and one could then choose that it is an articulation rod of the connecting rod which serves as blocking means.

  Thus, according to the invention, the locking means are not provided by specific means, but by means that fulfill another function within the fastening device. In this way, the function of the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the fastening device is ensured with an additional cost and with as much weight as possible as possible and with a minimum space requirement.

Claims (10)

  1. Device for attaching a boot to a sports article, of the type in which the fastening device (10) comprises a locking mechanism (19) provided with at least one member articulated around a hinge axis (A1), of the type in which the fixing device (10) is anchored on an interface element (60) integral with the sport article according to one of several predetermined positions, characterized in that the axis of articulation (A1) of the opening mechanism is embodied by a transverse rod (39), and in that the transverse rod (39) ensures at least partly the anchoring of the fastening device (10) on the interface element (60) according to one of the predefined positions with respect to the interface element.   2. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface element (60) and the fixing device (10) cooperate in the manner of a longitudinal slide.   3. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rod (39) passes through at least the interface element (60), a base (12) of the fixing device, and the articulated member (38) of the locking mechanism (19).   4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated member (38) belongs to an opening system of the locking mechanism (19).   5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated member is a gripping lever (38).   6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the articulated member is a return link.   30 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article of sport is a ski.   8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article of sport is a cross-country ski 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface element (60) is at least partly integrated with the sports article.   2890317 10 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the interface element (60) is bonded to the ski by gluing, screwing, welding or anchoring during the manufacture of the ski.