FR3075059A1 - SNOWSHOE WITH FIXATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Snowshoe (1) comprising a base structure (2) forming a boot area (3), a lift area, a front beak (8) consisting of a portion of the base structure (2) which goes back to the 'front of said boot area (3), lateral edges (9) formed by portions of the base structure (2) which go up on each side of said boot area (3), the racket further comprising a housing (6) forefoot formed by said front beak (8), said lateral edges (9) and a rod cover (10) extending longitudinally from said front beak (8) to the kick and laterally between each of said side flanges (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a basic structure forming a shoe zone, a lift zone, said lift zone forming a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe zone and extending towards the rear of the shoe area to form a rear spatula. It also includes a simple and ergonomic method of attachment.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART [0002] Snowshoes have been known objects for many years. They were originally designed to allow people to move on soils covered with a large amount of snow. They are also very widespread in the Nordic countries, frequently affected by heavy snowfall. However, these extreme conditions less and less reflect the reality of the current use of snowshoes. Indeed, nowadays, they are mainly used in a "sport and leisure" setting by hikers. The followers are of very varied levels, from the beginner to the expert hiker, the requirements of each level are very different. This heterogeneity forces manufacturers to constantly develop new products to best meet various expectations. There are therefore several product lines today, each with specific advantages. But manufacturers are still looking for innovative solutions that can provide greater comfort and increased dynamic performance. Snowshoe attachment systems are among the devices that have undergone many improvements over time.

There are multiple methods of attachment, ranging from a simple strap of leather or other material, to a specific "shoe-racket" attachment system. The levels of complexity vary widely from solution to solution. The most complex solutions are not necessarily the most advantageous in terms of ergonomics.

For example, document FR2818156 describes a binding for a snowshoe made by means of a fixing plate comprising at least in its front zone, corresponding above the foot, removable clamping means, characterized in that these consist of a three-part strap, two lateral and symmetrical parts of which come from the plate and extend to the upper part of the latter on either side of its corresponding zone to the sole of the foot and a central upper part which is detachably connected at its ends with two corresponding free ends of the two lateral strap parts by means of two adjustable tension connection means (T).

There are also rackets with a two-part attachment: one located under the user's shoes and the other on the racket.

For example, the document FR3016800 describes a snowshoe consisting of a sieve, and comprising retaining means intended to retain the shoe of the user, characterized in that the retaining means consist of at least one pin fixing and advantageously two fixing pins projecting downwards (BA), which are introduced into corresponding holes, while the fixing pins are fixed to the front part of the shoe, as for example under the metatarsals, to protrude downwards, and that the corresponding holes are made in the wall of the sieve in the zone corresponding to the front part of the shoe when it is worn, and that the racket comprises means for locking and unlocking the fixing pins in the corresponding holes of the racket.

Document FR2896429 describes a binding for a snowshoe provided with a device for retaining the front of a shoe on a snowshoe, said device comprising a set of retaining walls forming an enclosure open towards the rear and in which is intended to engage the front end of the shoe, characterized in that the enclosure consists of two lateral retaining walls, namely a left wall and a right wall, and a wall of front retainer made of deformable plastic, integral with a front support plate on which the front of the sole of the shoe is supported, while the retaining walls are intended to be brought closer to the shoe by means of approximation, constituted by a single continuous link such as a strap made of flexible material. The absence of a strap passing through the back of the shoe means that the user has to tighten the strap passing over the top of the foot more, thereby creating a risk of excessive tightening and discomfort.

Document CA2148759 describes an enveloping attachment for a snowshoe comprising a side wall and a retaining device at the front of the foot partially covering the top of the shoe, formed in one piece, and a second side wall serving to fix the enveloping part. A strap passing at the back of the shoe keeps the foot in the enveloping part. This device provides good foot support, but with perfect ergonomics. In addition, the partially enveloping attachment does not provide protection to the user's shoe.

Fastening devices such as those previously described have ergonomic characteristics that can often be improved.

To overcome these different drawbacks, the invention provides different technical means.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION First of all, a first objective of the invention consists in providing a binding for a snowshoe offering optimum support for the shoe of the user.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a binding for snowshoes of simple and inexpensive design.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe binding to avoid the risk of overvoltage related to the tightening of straps.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a binding for snowshoes providing protection to the shoe of the user.

To do this, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising a basic structure forming a shoe zone, a lift zone, said lift zone forming a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe zone and extending towards the rear of the shoe area to form a rear spatula;

- said racket comprising:

(i) a front spout consisting of a portion of the basic structure which rises to the front of the shoe area;

(ii) lateral flanges formed by portions of the basic structure which rise on each side of said shoe zone;

- The racket further comprising a front boot housing formed by said front spout, said side edges, and a rod cover extending longitudinally from said front spout to the kick and laterally between each of said side edges.

Thanks to these characteristics, the binding provides protection to the shoe against cold and splashes. Ergonomics and comfort are also optimized. The foot is maintained without overpressure zone which gives a high level of comfort. The removal of the front spatula and the attachment to the front of the shoe allow the user to move in normal walking, thus respecting the biomechanics of the body, for increased comfort and improved performance.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the upper cover consists of a unitary piece covering the shoe from the front spout to the kick.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the elastic material is an elastic fabric.

These characteristics bring a high level of comfort to the attachment of the racket. The elasticity of the fabric allows adaptation of the binding to all types of shoes while providing good support, while avoiding overvoltage areas. The fabric is elastic enough to adapt to the morphology of the user's shoe, and rigid enough to offer excellent support. In addition, the support thanks to a resistant fabric ensures the strength and durability of the binding.

Advantageously, the elastic material is a substantially waterproof or water-repellent fabric.

The use of a waterproof material makes it possible to offer optimal thermal protection and protection against humidity.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stem cover covers the entire surface located between the front spout on the one hand, and the side flanges on the other hand.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the racket also includes an anti-kickback element fixed on the side edges and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe.

The backstop has a tongue forming a housing, for example for cables arranged with: a go cable and a return cable, spaced apart from each other in the tongue, to avoid interference. This element keeps the foot in the racket housing, thus avoiding potential sliding of the foot on the shoe area. This element can also be formed by the extension of the stem cover.

Advantageously, the racket also includes a clamping element cooperating with the stem cover.

This simple mechanism provides a good level of fixation, making it possible to keep the shoe in place perfectly. This tightening element can be of the lacing type or a strap passing through holes or a strap with a Velcro or other yoke.

Also advantageously, the clamping element is coupled to at least one blocker.

This blocking element makes it possible to secure the kick area and or the anti-recoil. The clamping device can be single or multiple, the elements being able to be dependent or independent of each other.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stem cover is removable.

The removable rod cover makes it easy to replace it in the event of wear or to modify the aesthetic appearance of the racket according to the user's wishes. The rod cover can also be permanently attached to the base structure.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the fabric has meshes oriented substantially at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

This orientation allows the natural elasticity of the fabric to be used in the transverse direction.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the fabric comprises one or more mesh zones oriented substantially at 90 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

Advantageously, the stem cover extends to form a gaiter formed integrally with said stem cover.

This gaiter increases the thermal insulation and against humidity during extreme conditions.

Also advantageously, the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

Neoprene allows you to combine comfort, resistance, elasticity, thermal and moisture protection in a single material.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the rod cover the front spout and or the side edges are in one piece. This architecture makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the racket and to simplify its implementation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES All the details of embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 11c, presented only for the purposes of nonlimiting examples, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a racket intended to be worn on the left foot, seen from above;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the racket of FIG. 1 seen in elevation, with shaded representation symbolizing a shoe of a user for various sizes of shoes;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another example of racket, seen in perspective from the rear;

FIG 4 is a schematic representation of the racket of Figure 3, a perspective view from the front;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the racket of FIG. 3, seen in elevation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the racket of FIG. 3, seen in elevation from the rear.

FIGS. 7a to 7g are schematic sections illustrating various examples of transverse sections of basic structures with various types of lateral overhang profiles;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an example of main and secondary reinforcement elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the left foot;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another example of main and secondary reinforcement elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the left foot;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of yet another example of main and secondary reinforcing elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the right foot;

FIGS. 11a to 11c are schematic sections illustrating various examples of longitudinal (FIG. 11a) and transverse sections (FIGS. 11b and 11c) of a racket provided with a comfort layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BODY OF THE RACKET AND BASIC STRUCTURE Figures 1 to 6 illustrate, from various points of view, an example of a racket according to the invention. As clearly visible in FIGS. 1 and 3, the racket 1 comprises a basic structure 2 comprising a shoe zone 3 and a lift zone 4 which surrounds the shoe zone 3, except at the front of the shoe zone, where the racket ends in forming a front portion 7. This front portion includes a front spout 8 corresponding substantially to the front of the shoe area 3. This results in a racket without front spatula, greatly promoting ergonomics and comfort Steps. In addition, the user can use his snowshoes by walking in a manner similar to normal walking with shoes, by unrolling the foot, that is to say by first placing the heel, then the sole of the foot, and finally the front of the foot. The unrolling then continues with the lifting of the heel and ends with the propulsion at the level of the toes. As illustrated, the front spout 8 is advantageously in the form of a curve, forming a sort of protective shell for the front end of the shoe.

On each side of the shoe zone 3, the lift zone 4 includes a lateral overhang 5. At the rear, the lift zone 2 extends beyond the shoe zone 3 to form a rear spatula 11. As clearly visible in Figure 1, the basic structure has a solid surface. The lift zone 4 thus provides an optimal weight distribution effect, for minimal sinking in the snow, and for a well-balanced approach. The continuity of the surface also provides good thermal insulation, protecting the feet from cold and humidity.

To further promote ergonomics and promote ease of use and comfort, the basic structure 2 is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, giving it great flexibility of use. The deformability of the basic structure allows the rear spatula to flex under the effect of the weight of the walker when the latter approaches his heel from the ground and puts it down. The flexibility of the racket also makes it possible to optimize the ergonomic behavior, in accordance with and respecting the biomechanics of the foot, which generates walking with a course of the foot, as previously mentioned.

FIG. 5 and FIGS. 7a to 7g make it possible to illustrate the shaping of the lift zone 4 in a curved manner, preferably on the lateral overhangs 5. The lateral overhangs can thus be produced according to various types of profiles, like for example rectangular (figure 7a), with inclined external walls (figure 7b), in an arc of a circle (figure 7c), flat (figure 7d), inclined outwards (figure 7e), or inwards (figure 7f), or in the form of a "V" (Figure 7g).

Each of the side overhangs 5 has a lower surface 16, said lower surface 16 being raised on at least one of the two lateral overhangs 5, as shown in the examples of Figures 7d, 7e, 7f and 7g. The lateral overhangs are flexible enough to fit the various obstacles of the ground, such as a hole, a pebble, or other.

The base structure 2 is advantageously made of a thermoplastic type material, preferably included in the list of the following families: polyurethane thermoplastic, elastomeric thermoplastic. Advantageously, polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene is used. The material of the base structure 2 can be expanded or unexpanded, depending on the applications.

As shown in the example of Figure 1, the rear spatula 11 is preferably asymmetrical and advantageously has a clearance 15 releasing the inner side.

As shown in Figure 6, the rear spatula 11 is raised and / or twisted outward. It preferably has an opening 19.

REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE According to an advantageous embodiment, to prevent the racket from being too flexible, and generating little or no lift, the basic structure 2 comprises a main reinforcement element 20 designed to provide sufficient rigidity for that the weight transfer of the walker is well distributed over the entire surface of the racket.

As illustrated in Figures 8a, 8b and in Figure 9, the main reinforcing element 20 comprises at least three sectors 21, 22, 23 corresponding respectively with support zones A of the first metatarsal, B of the fifth metatarsus and C of the heel.

The main reinforcement element 20 is designed to transmit any forces likely to be received by the sectors 21, 22, 23 to the rest of the basic structure 2.

As shown in the example of Figure 8a, the main reinforcing element 20 has for example a profile substantially in the shape of "T".

Sectors 21, 22 may extend into adjacent lateral overhang zones 5. Similarly, the heel sector 23 can also extend in the lateral overhang zone 5 towards the rear of the heel and / or on each side thereof.

To obtain the continuous structure (or without opening) of the lift zone 4 and to help distribute the weight of the user, the basic structure 2 includes a secondary reinforcement element 30. This element of secondary reinforcement has a lower level of rigidity than that of the main reinforcement element 20.

The secondary reinforcement element 30 is arranged between the sectors 21, 22, 23 of the main reinforcement element 20.

To improve comfort, the base structure 2 also includes a comfort layer 40 of expanded foam or not, covering all or part of the main reinforcement element 20, as shown in the examples of Figures 11a, 11 b and 11 c, in median axial section in FIG. 11a, and at different longitudinal positions of the racket for FIGS. 11b and 11c. For example, a thermoplastic material is used to make the comfort layer.

As shown for example in FIGS. 2 to 5, two lateral flanges 9 are arranged on either side of the shoe zone 3. The lateral flanges 9 are preferably made integrally with the basic structure 2, for maximum robustness.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the main reinforcement may also include a cubo-scaphoid sector 24, 25, which extends substantially between the support zones of the scaphoid and the cuboid.

In the example of Figure 10, the cubo-scaphoid area 24, 25 extends on either side in the area of the adjacent lateral overhangs 5.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the main reinforcing element comprises a cubo-5th metatarsal axis extending substantially between the bearing zones of the cuboid 24 and of the 5th metatarsus 22.

Figure 10 also illustrates that the main reinforcing element may include lateral sectors 26, 27 extending over at least a portion of each of the lateral overhangs 5. As a variant, these lateral sectors 26, 27 are interconnected .

According to yet another embodiment, the previously described reinforcement structure can be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions.

FIXING SYSTEM According to yet another advantageous embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the racket comprises a rod cover 10 extending longitudinally from said front spout 8 to the kick and laterally between each lateral rims 9. The upper with the front spout 8 and the lateral rims 9 form a housing 6 for the boot, adapted to accommodate the front part of the boot.

Considering the racket in the axial direction, that is to say in the length direction, the upper 10 is preferably made of a unitary piece covering the shoe from the front spout 8 to to kick. This unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity.

To implement this elasticity, it is provided for example that the elastic material is an elastic fabric, preferably substantially waterproof. According to various alternative embodiments, provision is made, for example, for the fabric to have meshes oriented substantially at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket, or alternatively for the fabric to have one or more mesh zones oriented at substantially 90 ° by relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket. In another variant, the tissue is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

Considering the racket in the transverse direction, or perpendicular to the axial direction, the rod cover 10 covers the entire surface located between the front spout 8 on the one hand, and at least one of the side edges 9 of somewhere else. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, a clamping element 18, such as for example a lacing or a strap or a belt, cooperates with the rod cover

10.

An anti-kickback element 13, fixed for example on the side flanges 9 and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe, is illustrated in the examples of Figures 2 to 6. Such a tightening element 18 can be coupled to one or more blockers 14, as shown in the example in the figure

2.

According to various potential embodiments, the stem cover 10 is made removably, and / or extends to form a gaiter formed integrally with said stem cover 10. In another variant, the stem cover 10 and the front spout 8 are in one piece.

According to yet another embodiment, the previously described attachment system can be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions.

Reference numbers used in the figures

1 Snowshoe 2 Basic structure 3 Shoe area 4 Lift area 5 Lateral overhang 6 Housing 7 Front portion 8 Front spout 9 Lateral edge 10 Covers swab 11 Spatula 12 Kick protection area 13 Roll-back 14 blocker 15 Spatula clearance 16 Lower side overhang surface 17 18 Clamping element 19 Rear spatula opening 20 Main reinforcement element 21 ^1st metatarsal support sector 22 Support sector 5th metatarsus 23 Heel support area 24 Cuboid support sector 25 Scaphoid support sector 26 Lateral reinforcement 27 Lateral reinforcement 30 Secondary reinforcement element 40 Comfort layer

Claims (15)

1. Snowshoe (1) comprising a basic structure (2) forming a boot zone (3), a lift zone (4), said lift zone (4) forming a lateral overhang (5) on each side from the shoe zone (3) and extending towards the rear of the shoe zone (3) to form a rear spatula (11); - said racket comprising: (i) a front spout (8) constituted by a portion of the base structure (2) which rises at the front of said shoe zone (3); (ii) side flanges (9) formed by portions of the base structure (2) which rise on each side of said shoe zone (3); -the racket further comprising a housing (6) forefoot consisting of said front spout (8), said side flanges (9) and a rod cover (10) extending longitudinally from said front spout (8) to 'to the kick and laterally between each of said lateral edges (9). 2. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, the upper (10) consists of a unitary piece covering the boot from the front spout (8) to the kick. 3. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 2, wherein the unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity. 4. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein the elastic material is an elastic fabric. 5. Snowshoe (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the elastic material is a substantially waterproof or water-repellent fabric. 6. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod cover (10) covers the entire surface located between the front spout (8) on the one hand, and the side edges ( 9) on the other hand. MPP-fix-en 7. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising an anti-kickback element (13) fixed on the side edges (9) and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe. 8. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a clamping element (18) cooperating with the stem cover (10). 9. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 8, wherein the clamping element (18) is coupled to at least one blocker (14). 10. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stem cover (10) is removable. 11. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the fabric comprises meshes oriented substantially at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket. 12. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the fabric comprises one or more mesh zones oriented substantially at 90 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket. 13. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stem cover (10) is extended to form a gaiter formed integrally with said stem cover (10). 14. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, in which the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene. 15. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stem cover (10) and the front spout (8) and or the side flanges are in one piece.