FR3103391A1 - Fixing device for sliding board - Google Patents

Abstract

Binding device for a gliding board Binding device (3) for retaining a boot to a gliding board comprising: - a retaining means (4) able to cooperate with a boot, and - an adjusting device (5) for adjusting a position of the retaining means (4) relative to a gliding board, the adjustment device (5) comprising: - a structured element (14) comprising a series of regularly arranged reliefs, - a first locking element (21) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the first locking element being able to cooperate with the structured element (14) to block a movement of the retaining means (4) in a first direction, when it is in its blocking position. Figure for the abstract: figure 8

Description

Fixing device for gliding board

The invention relates to a fastening device for retaining a shoe to a gliding board. The invention relates in particular to a device for adjusting the binding device for adjusting a position of the shoe on a gliding board. The invention also relates to gliding equipment, in particular cross-country skiing equipment, comprising such a fixing device.

State of the prior art

For the practice of sliding sports, in particular for the practice of cross-country skiing, each shoe of a user is attached to a gliding board by a fastening device. The binding device transmits the forces exerted by the user's feet to the gliding board. For cross-country skiing, the binding device retains the tip of the foot on the gliding board following a connection in rotation around an axis transverse to the ski. The user can thus take off his heel from the gliding board while keeping the front of his boot linked to the ski. He thus manages to exert impulses to move forward on a snowy surface.

The position of a user's feet on a gliding board is essential. Depending on the conditions of use or the skills of a user, the latter may wish to modify the position of his feet on the gliding board. In particular, for cross-country skiing, shifting the foot forward of the ski improves the grip of the ski on the snow and facilitates progression. Conversely, shifting the foot backwards provides better gliding sensations.

In order to offer the possibility of adjusting the position of the user's foot on a gliding board, binding devices equipped with a position adjustment device are known. Manipulation of the adjustment device makes it possible to modify the position of a means for retaining the boot relative to the gliding board, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. However, the position adjustment devices of the fastening devices known from the state of the art are impractical to use. They are not suitable for carrying out a rapid and precise adjustment of the position of the foot, in particular during the use of the gliding board. Devices for adjusting the position of known binding devices are complex to handle and not very intuitive, or else they offer adjustment possibilities that are too limited.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a fixing device remedying the above drawbacks and improving the fixing devices known from the prior art.

More specifically, a first object of the invention is a fastening device comprising an adjustment device that is simple and intuitive to handle.

A second object of the invention is a binding device allowing precise adjustment of the position of a foot on the gliding board.

A third object of the invention is a binding device making it possible to obtain an adjustment of the position of a boot relative to the gliding board which is easily reproducible.

A fourth object of the invention is an easily manipulated adjustment device even when it is covered with snow.

The invention relates to a fastening device for retaining a boot to a gliding board, the device comprising:
- a retaining means capable of cooperating with a shoe, and
- an adjustment device for adjusting a position of the retaining means relative to a gliding board,
the adjustment device comprising:
- a structured element comprising a series of regularly arranged reliefs,
- a first locking element movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the first locking element being capable of cooperating with the structured element to block movement of the retaining means in a first direction, when it is in its blocking position,
- a second locking element, separate from the first locking element, the second locking element being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the second locking element being capable of cooperating with the structured element to block movement retaining means in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when it is in its blocking position,
- An unlocking element cooperating with the first locking element to move the retaining means in the first direction, the unlocking element cooperating with the second locking element to move the retaining means in the second direction.

The unlocking element can be movable between an initial position, a first position and a second position,
the adjustment device being configured so that:
- when the unlocking element is in its initial position, the first locking element is in its locking position and the second locking element is in its locking position,
- when the unlocking element is in its first position, the first locking element is in its locking position and the second locking element is in its unlocking position,
- when the unlocking element is in its second position, the first locking element is in its unlocking position and the second locking element is in its locking position,
- a displacement of the unlocking element from its initial position to its first position causes a displacement of the retaining means in the second direction, and
- A movement of the unlocking element from its initial position to its second position causes a movement of the retaining means in the first direction.

The initial position of the unlocking element can be a stable position, in particular the adjustment device can comprise a return means tending to bring the unlocking element back to its initial position.

The unlocking element may comprise a first support zone and a second support zone distinct from the first support zone, the adjustment device being configured so that:
- from the initial position of the unlocking element, pressing on the first support zone leads to movement of the retaining means in the second direction,
- from the initial position of the unlocking element, pressing on the second support zone leads to movement of the retaining means in the first direction.

The structured element can be a rack, and the rack can cooperate with the first locking element and with the second locking element so that a movement of the unlocking element from its initial position to its first position or to its second position results in relative movement between the rack and the unlocking element according to a predefined pitch.

The first locking element can be a first lever movable in rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the retaining means, the second locking element can be a second lever movable in rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the retaining means, and the fixing device may comprise a first return means and a second return means, the first lever comprising:
- a first support surface capable of cooperating with the structured element to block the movement of the retaining means in the first direction,
- a second support surface adapted to cooperate with the unlocking element to move the first lever from its locking position to its unlocking position,
- a third support surface cooperating with the first return means to move the first lever from its unlocking position to its locking position,
the second lever comprising:
- a first support surface capable of cooperating with the structured element to block the movement of the retaining means in the second direction,
- a second bearing surface adapted to cooperate with the unlocking element to move the second lever from its locking position to its unlocking position,
- A third support surface cooperating with the second return means to move the second lever from its unlocking position to its locking position.

The first lever can be arranged so that pressing on a first bearing zone of the unlocking element leads to a reaction force of the first bearing surface of the first lever on the structured element tending to move the retaining means in the second direction, and
the second lever can be arranged so that pressing on a second bearing zone of the unlocking element leads to a reaction force of the first bearing surface of the second lever on the structured element tending to move the retaining means in the first direction.

The adjustment device may comprise a housing comprising a first guide slot guiding the axis of rotation of the first lever, and a second guide slot guiding the axis of rotation of the second lever.

The unlocking element may comprise a first bearing surface capable of cooperating with the axis of rotation of the first lever and a second bearing surface capable of cooperating with the axis of rotation of the second lever.

The unlocking element may be a flip-flop movable in rotation relative to the retaining means.

The adjustment device may comprise a casing movable in translation relative to the structured element, the unlocking element being movable in rotation about an axis of rotation integral with the casing.

The retaining means can be movable between at least three stable positions of the retaining means.

The unlocking element can form a cover covering the locking elements.

The retaining means may be intended to cooperate with a front part of a shoe. The retaining means may comprise a means for rotational connection with a shoe.

The adjustment device may comprise a housing movable in translation relative to the structured element, the structured element being intended to be fixed to a gliding board and the housing being integral with the retaining means.

The adjustment device may comprise a housing movable in translation relative to the structured element, the housing being intended to be fixed to a gliding board and the structured element being integral with the retaining means.

The invention also relates to gliding equipment comprising a gliding board, in particular a cross-country ski, and a binding device as defined previously.

Presentation of figures

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment given on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures, among which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a ski fitted with a binding device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the ski equipped with the binding device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the ski equipped with a structured element of the binding device.

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the fixing device.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of an adjustment device of the binding device.

Figure 6 is a view in a longitudinal section and in perspective of the adjustment device, in the locking position.

Figure 7 is a sectional and side view of the adjustment device, in the locking position.

Figure 8 is a sectional and perspective view of the adjustment device, a rocker of the adjustment device being in the partially tilted forward position.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the adjustment device, the rocker of the adjustment device being in the partially tilted forward position.

FIG. 10 is a sectional and perspective view of the adjustment device, the rocker of the adjustment device being in the fully tilted forward position, in the unlocked position.

Figure 11 is a side view and in transparency of the adjustment device, the rocker of the adjustment device being in the fully tilted forward position, in the unlocked position.

detailed description

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates gliding equipment 1 comprising a gliding board 2 and a binding device 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The binding device makes it possible to connect a shoe to the gliding board so as to be able to transmit impulses from the foot of the user to the gliding board. According to the embodiment presented, the gliding board is a cross-country ski. Cross-country skiing is a sports discipline in which a user progresses on a snowy surface thanks to impulses transmitted to the skis. The binding device cooperates with the front end of a boot according to a connection in rotation around a transverse axis. Thus the tip of the foot is permanently retained against the ski while the heel can lift relative to the ski.

In this document, the longitudinal axis designates the axis along which the user progresses in a straight line. It corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the ski. The user progresses from back to front. The transverse axis is an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It is considered that the cross-country ski rests, via its gliding surface, on a horizontal surface. The longitudinal axis and the transverse axis are therefore horizontal axes.

The binding device according to the invention could also be fitted to any gliding board with which the user must have his feet connected or hooked. In particular, the gliding board could be an alpine ski, a cross-country ski, a snowboard or even a monoski.

Figure 2 illustrates the binding device 3 more precisely. The binding device 3 is a front binding device, that is to say it cooperates with the front of a shoe. The binding device 3 comprises a retaining means 4 capable of cooperating with a shoe. The retaining means 4 can comprise any known means (not shown) for retaining a boot on the ski. The binding device 3 also comprises an adjustment device 5 for adjusting a position of the retaining means 4 with respect to the gliding board 2. The adjustment device 5 makes it possible to adjust the position of the shoe along the longitudinal axis. The retaining means 4 is therefore mounted free to slide relative to the gliding board along its longitudinal axis. It is guided longitudinally along a support 16 (visible in FIG. 3) mounted on the upper face of the ski. The adjustment amplitude of the position of the retaining means can be of the order of a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

The retaining means 4 comprises a connecting means 6 intended to retain the front of the shoe. The connecting means 6 is positioned at the rear of a housing 7 constituting a body of the adjustment device 5. The connecting means 6 may in particular comprise a rotational connecting means to allow rotation of the boot around a transverse axis at the height of the front end of the shoe. The connecting means 6 can be a connecting means known from the state of the art. This connecting means comprises in particular a groove 17 intended to receive a pin located on the front of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 7 and the retaining means 4 of the shoe are integrally fixed to each other. In particular, the housing 7 and the connecting means 6 are integrally fixed to each other. In particular, the casing 7 comprises two connecting arms 8 via which it is fixed to the connecting means 6. Alternatively, the casing 7 and the connecting means 6 could constitute one and the same part.

The adjustment device 5 comprises the housing 7, an unlocking element 9, a structured element 14 and a transmission mechanism 10. The transmission mechanism 10 consists of a first locking element 21 and a second locking element 22. It is visible in particular in figures 5 to 8.

The unlocking element 9 is made, in the form shown, in the form of a rocker 9'. Rocker 9' is rotatable relative to retaining means 4, in particular relative to housing 7. It comprises a first support zone 11 and a second support zone 12 separate from the first support zone 11. The rocker 9 'is rotatable around an axis of rotation 13 extending parallel to the transverse axis and mounted on the box 7. The two support zones 11 and 12 extend on each side of the axis of rotation 13. Thus, pressing from top to bottom on the first bearing zone 11 causes the rocker 9' to rotate in a first direction of rotation (forward). Pressing from top to bottom on the second support zone 12 causes the rocker 9' to rotate in a second direction of rotation (towards the rear), opposite to the first direction of rotation. The pivoting of rocker 9' forwards and backwards can be limited by an abutment of rocker 9' against housing 7. The pivoting amplitude of rocker 9' between its fully tilted position front and its fully tilted position rearward may for example be between 30° and 60° angle.

It will not depart from the invention if other gripping means than the bearing surfaces 11, 12 are positioned on the rocker 9 'to allow its movement forwards or backwards. For example, a gripping handle could be positioned in the side front area of the rocker 9'.

The adjustment device 5 further comprises a structured element 14 comprising a series of reliefs or notches arranged regularly. The structured element 14 can for example be in the form of a notched plate. According to the embodiment presented, the structured element is a rack 14'. The rack 14' is fixed (for example screwed or glued) on an upper face of the gliding board or possibly on a plate itself fixed on the upper face of the gliding board. Rack 14' includes teeth extending transversely and arranged at regular intervals. As we will see later, the teeth of the rack 14' constitute abutments with which the transmission mechanism 10 cooperates to move the casing 7 parallel to the longitudinal axis. As a variant, the structured element could not be in the form of a rack 14' but in a form presenting regularly arranged reliefs on which it is possible to exert a force comprising a non-zero longitudinal component. The structured element could be in the form of a surface provided with holes arranged at regular intervals, or in the form of a rack whose teeth would not be parallel to the transverse axis but inclined with respect to the axis transverse or V-shaped. The structured element could also be a simple surface sufficiently rough or adherent to allow the transmission of a longitudinal force. According to another alternative embodiment, the structured element could be formed or sculpted directly in an upper face of the gliding board.

The box 7 is positioned above the structured element 14 and is able to slide along the latter. The box 7 may include a dimension slightly greater than the dimension of the structured element along the transverse axis. The casing may comprise two lateral flanks 15, or lateral edges, extending on either side of the structured element along the longitudinal axis. The box can be guided in translation along the structured element thanks to the cooperation of the side flanks 15 with the side edges of the structured element 14.

The structured element 14 may include a stop 18 at its front end to prevent dissociation of the casing 7 from the front of the rack 14'. In addition, the rack 14 'advantageously comprises lateral grooves 19 (also visible in Figure 9) cooperating with mating edges located at the lower ends of the side flanks 15 of the housing 7. The cooperation of the grooves 19 with the mating edges makes it possible to retain vertically the housing 7 against the structured element 14.

The box 7 comprises an upward opening which is closed by the rocker 9'. Rocker 9' forms a cover above housing 7, but in another embodiment not shown, the rocker could be narrower transversely and could be recessed in an upper opening made in the upper part of housing 7. The edges sides of rocker 9' cover the side flanks 15 of the case. The cover formed by the rocker prevents snow from entering the housing. The assembly formed by case 7 and rocker 9' has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The rocker is connected to the housing 7 via the axis of rotation 13, oriented transversely. The axis of rotation 13 passes through circular openings arranged in the side edges of the rocker and in the side flanks 15 of the case 7.

FIG. 3 illustrates the gliding board 2 in top view without the adjustment device 5. We can see the structured element 14, and the support 16 fixed to the gliding board and extending under the boot and under the adjustment device. fixing 3. The support 16 is provided with slides 16a, 16b. It forms a guide plate for the longitudinal displacement of the retaining means 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a base 20 of the retaining means 4 and the adjustment device 5 without the structured element 14. The base 20 is able to slide with respect to the support 16 parallel to the longitudinal axis. One distinguishes in particular the groove 17 forming a bearing portion intended to receive an axis of rotation of the boot.

Figures 5 and 6 make it possible to clearly visualize the various components of the adjustment device 5, namely:
- the unlocking element 9, formed by the lever 9',
- the transmission mechanism 10, comprising the two locking elements 21, 22.
- two return means 23, 24, acting on the two locking elements 21,22,
- the box 7, and
- the structured element 14.

Each of the two locking elements 21, 22 is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the blocking position, the first locking element 21 cooperates with the structured element 14 to block the movement of the retaining means 4 in a first direction. Similarly, in the blocking position, the second locking element 22 cooperates with the structured element 14 to block the movement of the retaining means 4 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In the specific case illustrated, the first direction is defined towards the rear and the second direction is defined towards the front of the ski. When the first locking element 21 is in the unlocking position, it does not block the movement of the retaining means 4. Similarly, when the second locking element 21 is in the unlocking position, it does not block the movement of the retaining means. restraint 4.

The unlocking element 9 is movable between an initial or rest position (illustrated for example in FIG. 7), a first position (illustrated for example in FIGS. 10 and 11) and a second position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking element 9 is rotatable around a horizontal axis. As a variant, the unlocking element could be able to rotate around any other axis, in particular around a vertical axis, or even around a longitudinal axis. The unlocking element could also be movable in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis, to the transverse axis, to the vertical axis, or even parallel to any other axis.

When the unlocking element 9 is in its initial position, the first locking element 21 is in its locking position and the second locking element 22 is in its locking position. The retaining means 4 is therefore blocked both forwards and backwards. The initial position of the unlocking element 9 is therefore a locking position.

When the unlocking element 9 is in its first position, the first locking element 21 is in its locking position and the second locking element 22 is in its unlocking position. When the unlocking element 9 is in its second position, the first locking element 21 is in its unlocking position and the second locking element 22 is in its locking position. A displacement of the unlocking element 9 from its initial position to its first position causes a displacement of the retaining means 4 forwards. Conversely, a movement of the unlocking element 9 from its initial position to its second position causes a movement of the retaining means 4 backwards. When the unlocking element is a rocker 9' as in the embodiment presented, the first position of the rocker 9' is a forward tilted position. Conversely, when it is in its second position, rocker 9' is tilted rearward.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two locking elements 21, 22 are respectively two levers 21', 22'. The two levers are arranged between rocker 9' and housing 7 and intended to cooperate with structured element 14. The two return means 23, 24 are constituted in this case by helical springs (one of which is shown in the compressed position in Figure 5).

The adjustment device may comprise a first plane of symmetry parallel to the vertical axis and to the transverse axis and passing substantially through the center of the axis of rotation 13. It may also comprise a second plane of symmetry parallel to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis. The two levers 21', 22' can be identical. Likewise, the two return means 23, 24 can be identical. The binding device can cooperate either with a right shoe or a left shoe.

The lever 21' is rotatable about an axis of rotation 25 parallel to the transverse axis and mounted in the housing 7. It comprises a first support surface 26 capable of cooperating with the structured element 14 to act as a locking element, or latch. It comprises a second support surface 27 capable of cooperating with rocker 9' to allow movement of the first lever towards the unlocking position. Finally, it comprises a third support surface 28 cooperating with the return means 23, allowing the lever 21' to be returned to the locking position against the structured element 14 and also allowing the lever 21' to act like a pawl to move from one notch to another, when unlocking and when moving the adjustment device 5.

Similarly, the lever 22 'is rotatable about an axis of rotation 35 parallel to the transverse axis and mounted in the housing 7. It comprises a first bearing surface 36 capable of cooperating with the structured element 14 to act as a locking element, or latch. It comprises a second bearing surface 37 capable of cooperating with rocker 9' to allow movement of the second lever towards the unlocking position. Finally, it comprises a third support surface 38 cooperating with the return means 24 allowing the lever 21' to be returned to the locking position against the structured element 14 and also allowing the lever 21' to act as a pawl, to move from one notch to another, when unlocking and when moving the adjustment device 5.

Thus, the two levers 21', 22' are similar but their directions of rotation are reversed relative to each other. They are mounted symmetrically with respect to the median transverse plane of the case 7 passing in particular through the axis of rotation of the rocker 9'.

In the configuration shown in Figure 11, the rocker 9 'is completely pivoted forward following pressing on the first support zone 11, the first lever is in the locking position and the second lever is in the unlocking position .

In particular, rocker 9' presses on lever 21' via a bearing surface 43 of rocker 9' which presses on axis of rotation 25 of the lever and which then drives lever 21' towards the bottom, the axis 25 moving downwards in a guide slot 41 formed in the housing 7. The first lever 21' is then supported on a tooth of the rack 14' via its first bearing surface 26. The return means 23 is then strongly compressed between the third support surface 28 of the lever 21' and a support surface 29 formed in the housing 7. The second support surface 27 of the lever 21' is then free with respect to the seesaw. The support surface 27 of the first lever 21' is then no longer in contact with the support surface 46 of the rocker 9'. Rocker 9' exerts a force on first lever 21' only via axis of rotation 25 and bearing surface 43. First lever 21' remains in contact with structured element 14 but with a lower effort than that which exists in the locked position, the lever 21' then acting as a pawl and then being able to be lifted with little effort to pass from one notch to another of the structured element. The rocker 9' being tilted forwards, the displacement of the adjustment element and therefore of the retaining means is one notch forwards.

Simultaneously with the movement of the lever 21', the lever 22' has its own movement. The forward rotation of rocker 9' causes lever 22' to be lifted by a support surface 47 which rests on the second support surface 37 of lever 22'. No part of the second lever 22' is no longer in contact with the structured element 14, the second lever 22' then being in the unlocked position. The return means 24 is slightly compressed between the third support surface 38 of the lever 22' and a support surface 39 formed in the housing 7. The return means 23, 24 exert a force on the lever 9' tending to the return to a position of equilibrium between the two extreme positions of the rocker.

In other words, when one of the levers is unlocked, that is to say it is no longer in contact with the notches of the structured element 14, the other lever can move longitudinally along the structured element 14 and in particular move one notch.

In another unlocking configuration not shown, rocker 9' can be pivoted rearward in the same way following pressing on second support zone 12. In this case, rocker 9' being tilted rear, the displacement of the adjustment element and therefore of the retaining means is one notch rearward. The adjustment device 5 is configured so that the first locking element and the second locking element cannot be simultaneously in the unlocked position.

FIG. 7 illustrates the adjustment device in the so-called initial or rest position. The initial position corresponds to a locking position in which the adjustment device is locked. The two locking elements respectively block the forward and rearward movement of the retaining means 4. This position is obtained in the absence of a support on any of the support zones of the rocker. In this configuration, rocker 9' is tilted neither forwards nor backwards. The first lever 21' and the second lever 22' are both in contact with the structured element 14 and both in contact with the lever 9'. They block backward and forward movement respectively.

Referring to Figures 5 and 9, it is observed that the axes of rotation 25 and 35 of the two levers 21 ', 22' are respectively mounted in guide slots 41, 42 arranged in the side flanks 15 of the housing 7. These slots guide 41, 42 may have a circular arc shape substantially centered on the axis of rotation 13 of the rocker. The axes of rotation 25 and 26 protrude from the casing along the transverse axis and can bear respectively against a first bearing surface 43 and a second bearing surface 44 of rocker 9'. The bearing surfaces 43, 44 can have the shape of a portion of a circle and be arranged at the level of a lower edge 45 of the rocker. As can be seen by observing FIGS. 2 and 9, bearing surfaces 43 and 44 of rocker 9' are not in contact with axes of rotation 25 and 26 as long as the rocker is in its initial position. On the other hand, the first bearing surface 43 comes into contact with the axis of rotation 25 of the lever 21' when the lever 9' tilts forwards. Similarly, the second support surface 44 comes into contact with the axis of rotation 35 of the lever 22' when the rocker 9' tilts backwards.

The rocker 9' comprises two support surfaces 46, 47 in the form of legs intended to unlock the locking elements 21, 22, that is to say the levers 21', 22'. The bearing surface 46 and the bearing surface 47 are able to cooperate respectively with the bearing surface 27 of the first lever 21' and the bearing surface 37 of the second lever 22'. These lugs or these support zones 46, 47 extend inside the rocker, in a central part of the latter. They extend substantially radially and downwards from the axis of rotation 13 of rocker 9'.

Referring to Figure 8, the first support zone 11 is positioned in front of the second support zone 12. The two support zones 11, 12 are formed on an upper face of the rocker. The upper face is formed by two panels 48, 49 forming an obtuse angle between them. The first panel 48 comprises the first support zone 11 and the second panel 49 comprises the second support zone 12. The orientation of the first panel is such that it is oriented substantially horizontally when the rocker is halfway between its initial position, corresponding to the locking position, and the fully tilted forward position, corresponding to one of the unlocking positions. Similarly, the orientation of the second panel is such that it is oriented substantially horizontally when the rocker is halfway between its initial position, corresponding to the locking position, and the fully tilted position towards the rear, corresponding to the other unlock position. The support zones 11 and 12 therefore extend globally parallel to the surface on which the gliding board rests.

The two support zones 11,12 each include a relief arranged in their respective panel facilitating the grip of the rocker. In this case, the bearing zones 11 and 12 both comprise a circular indentation formed hollow on each of the two panels. The indentations form reception zones for the fingers of the hand or for the end of a ski pole, so as to facilitate manipulation of the rocker.

The operation of the fixing device will now be described. The longitudinal position of the retaining means can be adjusted by means of the adjuster. This adjustment is possible with a shoe already fixed to the retaining means or in the absence of a shoe fixed to the retaining means. Adjustment does not require tools and can be done at any time.

In the absence of pressure on any of the rocker bearing zones, the latter is in the initial position, corresponding to the locking position of the adjustment device, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The two zones of Support 26 and 36 of the two levers 21' and 22' bear against the structured element 14 and block any movement of the housing relative to the structured element. More specifically, the bearing surface 26 of the first lever cooperates with the tooth of the rack 14' positioned just behind so as to prevent any rearward movement of the retaining means 4. The bearing surface 36 of the second lever cooperates with the tooth of the rack 14' positioned just in front so as to prevent any forward movement of the retaining means 4. Advantageously, the distance separating the bearing surface 26 of the first lever and the bearing surface 36 of the second lever is determined according to the pitch of the rack 14' to guarantee a position without play of the retaining means. The position of the retaining means 4 is therefore a stable position. The position of the rocker and of the levers 21', 22' results from a balance of the forces produced by the two return means 23, 24. In this configuration the user can produce impulses with his boot on the binding device. These impulses are effectively transmitted to the ski, without movement of the boot retaining means.

When the user wishes to move the retaining means forwards, he can press on the front support zone, that is to say the first support zone 11. On the contrary, if he wishes to move the retaining means towards the rear, he can press on the rear support zone, that is to say the second support zone 12. The manipulation to be carried out is therefore particularly simple and intuitive.

When the first support zone 11 is pressed, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the rocker pivots forwards. The bearing surface 47 of the rocker cooperates with the bearing surface 37 of the second lever to cause the second lever to pivot around its axis of rotation 35, upwards. Consequently, the bearing surface 36 emerges from the structured element and the box 7 is no longer blocked forwards. The support surface 38 partially compresses the return means 24. Approximately halfway between the initial position of the rocker and the completely tilted forward position of the rocker, the support surface 43 of the rocker comes into contact with the ends of the axis of rotation 25 of the first lever 21 ', as shown in Figure 9.

From this position, the pivoting of the rocker 9 'forward causes the sliding of the axis of rotation 25 of the first lever 21' along the guide slot 41 and the compression of the return means 23. The bearing surface 26 of the first lever 21' remains in contact with the structured element 14 and bears against the latter. In particular, it rests on a tooth of the rack 14' just behind the bearing surface 26. The lever 21' therefore pivots around its point of contact with the structured element. The axis of rotation 25 exerts on the edges of the guide slot 41 a reaction force which causes the casing 7 to move forwards. The adjustment device 5 with the rocker completely pivoted forwards can be seen in particular in FIGS. 10 and 11. Advantageously, the lever is dimensioned so that full support on a support zone causes the housing to move according to a predefined pitch corresponding at least to the space between two reliefs of the structured element, in particular two teeth of the rack 14'. The shape and inclination of the guide slots 41 and 42 are chosen so that the retaining means 4 can move one step relative to the rack 14'.

Then when the rocker is released, the return means 23 and 24 respectively exert forces on the levers 21' and 22' tending to make them return to their initial position, corresponding to the locking position. The rocker also returns to its initial position thanks to the reaction forces of the bearing surfaces 27 and 37 of the two levers respectively on the bearing surfaces 46 and 47 of the rocker. The bearing surface 36 of the second lever resumes contact with the structured element, in particular between two teeth of the rack 14' positioned further forward. The bearing surface 26 of the first lever slides over the tooth positioned directly in front of the previous position of the bearing surface 26. As a side note, the shape of the end of the first lever, at the back of the support surface 26, can be chamfered to facilitate the sliding of the first lever above the tooth of the rack 14 'positioned just in front. (Similarly, the shape of the end of the second lever, upside the bearing surface 36, can be chamfered to facilitate the sliding of the second lever above the tooth of the rack 14 'positioned just behind when moving the box backwards). Following the release of the rocker, the adjustment device returns to its initial position, called the locking position, and is moved forwards relative to its position before pressing on the first support zone.

Thus, pressing on the first bearing zone 11 made it possible to shift the housing 7 and therefore the retaining device forwards by a defined pitch corresponding to the space between two teeth of the rack 14'. The new position of case 7 is also a stable position. The user can repeat the operation as many times as necessary to move the retaining means over a desired distance. The adjustment range can be adjusted by adapting the length of the structured element. In particular, the number of stable positions can be adjusted with the number of teeth of the rack 14'. According to the embodiment presented, the retaining means can be adjusted between fifteen stable positions but as a variant this number could be different. Advantageously, the position of the retaining means can be chosen between at least three stable positions. The user can easily count the number of manipulations performed or count the visible teeth of the rack 14' to check the position of the retaining means. He can thus easily ensure that the two binding devices cooperating with his two boots are adjusted to the same longitudinal position. To shift the retaining means rearward, the user can reproduce the same manipulation by pressing on the second support zone 12 of the rocker, the rocker then being tilted rearward.

It is intuitive to identify the support area on which to press to move the retainer. Whether he wishes to move the retainer forwards or backwards, the user only needs to press down on the corresponding support zone. During this manipulation, the ski is supported by the snow-covered surface. The user does not have to make any particular effort to keep the ski stable during this manipulation. This gesture is therefore particularly easy to perform whatever the conditions and whatever the flexibility of the user. In the event that a user could not easily reach the adjustment device while keeping his boot fixed to the binding device, he could still use a stick to press on the corresponding support zone. In particular, the user does not need to grasp or grip an element of the fastening device in order to pull on it. It should not handle small parts. Adjustment can therefore be easily carried out even when wearing gloves or mittens.

The transmission mechanism 10 is housed inside the box 7 and covered by the rocker. It is therefore protected from any external aggressions, in particular shocks or snow. The risks of this mechanism jamming due to snow or ice entering or due to a shock against the transmission mechanism are reduced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the entire adjustment device (with the exception of the structured element) is connected to the retaining means of the shoe and therefore moves with the retaining means, relative to the gliding board. The rocker therefore always remains at the same distance from the retaining means, whatever the position of the retaining means with respect to the ski. The user can therefore manipulate the adjusting device without even having to look at it. Furthermore, the structured element is integral with the gliding board and therefore has a fixed position relative to the gliding board.

However, we will not depart from the scope of the invention if the box 7 is mounted fixed on the gliding board. The structured element is then connected to the retaining device and therefore moves with the retaining means relative to the gliding board. Thus a manual action on the rocker makes it possible to move the structured element and the means of retaining the shoe one step forward or one step backward. The rocker can then be immobile in translation relative to the gliding board and is in a position more or less close to the front end of the retaining means.

The invention which has just been described makes it possible to adjust the longitudinal position of a front binding device. It could also be transposed to a rear binding device, for example to adjust the tightness of the boot in an alpine ski binding system. The invention could also be transposed to adjust the transverse position of a fixing device. For example, the invention could be associated with a snowboard binding to adjust the position in which a boot is attached to the snowboard.

Claims (17)

Fastening device (3) for retaining a shoe to a gliding board (2), characterized in that it comprises:
- a retaining means (4) capable of cooperating with a shoe, and
- an adjustment device (5) for adjusting a position of the retaining means (4) relative to a gliding board,
the adjustment device (5) comprising:
- a structured element (14) comprising a series of regularly arranged reliefs,
- a first locking element (21) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the first locking element being capable of cooperating with the structured element (14) to block movement of the retaining means (4) in a first direction, when it is in its blocking position,
- a second locking element (22), separate from the first locking element (21), the second locking element being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the second locking element being capable of cooperating with the structured element (14) to block movement of the retaining means in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when it is in its blocking position,
- an unlocking element (9) cooperating with the first locking element (21) to move the retaining means (4) in the first direction, the unlocking element (9) cooperating with the second locking element (22) to move the retaining means (4) in the second direction.
Fastening device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the unlocking element is movable between an initial position, a first position and a second position,
the adjustment device (5) being configured so that:
- when the unlocking element (9) is in its initial position, the first locking element (21) is in its locking position and the second locking element (22) is in its locking position,
- when the unlocking element (9) is in its first position, the first locking element (21) is in its locking position and the second locking element (22) is in its unlocking position,
- when the unlocking element (9) is in its second position, the first locking element (21) is in its unlocking position and the second locking element (22) is in its locking position,
- a movement of the unlocking element (9) from its initial position to its first position causes a movement of the retaining means (4) in the second direction, and
- a movement of the unlocking element (9) from its initial position to its second position causes a movement of the retaining means (4) in the first direction.
Fixing device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the initial position of the unlocking element (9) is a stable position, in particular in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a return means (23 , 24) tending to return the unlocking element (9) to its initial position.
Fastening device (3) according to one of Claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the unlocking element (9) comprises a first support zone (11) and a second support zone (12) distinct from the first support zone, the adjustment device (5) being configured so that:
- from the initial position of the unlocking element, pressing on the first support zone (11) leads to movement of the retaining means in the second direction,
- from the initial position of the unlocking element, pressing on the second support zone (12) leads to a movement of the retaining means in the first direction.
Fixing device (3) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the structured element (14) is a rack (14'), and in that the rack (14') cooperates with the first element locking element (21) and with the second locking element (22) so that a displacement of the unlocking element (9) from its initial position to its first position or to its second position causes a displacement relative between the rack (14') and the unlocking element (9) according to a predefined pitch.
Fixing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking element (21) is a first lever (21') movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (25) with respect to the retaining means (4), in that the second locking element (22) is a second lever (22') rotatable about an axis of rotation (35) relative to the retaining means (4), and in that the fixing device comprises a first return means (23) and a second return means (24),
the first lever (21') comprising:
- a first support surface (26) adapted to cooperate with the structured element (14) to block the movement of the retaining means (4) in the first direction,
- a second bearing surface (27) adapted to cooperate with the unlocking element (9) to move the first lever from its locking position to its unlocking position,
- a third support surface (28) cooperating with the first return means (23) to move the first lever from its unlocking position to its locking position,
the second lever (22') comprising:
- a first bearing surface (36) adapted to cooperate with the structured element (14) to block the movement of the retaining means (4) in the second direction,
- a second bearing surface (37) adapted to cooperate with the unlocking element (9) to move the second lever from its locking position to its unlocking position,
- A third bearing surface (38) cooperating with the second return means (24) to move the second lever from its unlocking position to its locking position.
Fastening device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first lever (21') is arranged so that pressing on a first bearing zone (11) of the unlocking element (9) leads to a reaction force of the first bearing surface (26) of the first lever (21') on the structured element (14) tending to move the retaining means (4) in the second direction, and in that
the second lever (22') is arranged so that pressing on a second bearing zone (12) of the unlocking element (9) leads to a reaction force of the first bearing surface (36) of the second lever (22) on the structured element (14) tending to move the retaining means (4) in the first direction.
Fixing device (3) according to one of Claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a housing (7) comprising a first guide slot (41) guiding the axis of rotation (25 ) of the first lever (21), and a second guide slot (42) guiding the axis of rotation (35) of the second lever (22).
Fastening device according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the unlocking element (9) comprises a first bearing surface (43) capable of cooperating with the axis of rotation (25) of the first lever (21) and a second bearing surface (44) capable of cooperating with the axis of rotation (35) of the second lever (22).
Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking element (9) is a rocker (9') movable in rotation relative to the retaining means (4).
Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a casing (7) movable in translation relative to the structured element (14), the unlocking element (9) being rotatable about an axis of rotation (13) secured to the housing.
Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (4) is movable between at least three stable positions of the retaining means.
Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking element (9) forms a cover covering the locking elements (21, 22).
Binding device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (4) is intended to cooperate with a front part of a shoe and/or in that the retaining means (4) comprises a connecting means (6) in rotation with a shoe.
Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment device comprises a casing (7) movable in translation relative to the structured element (14), the structured element being intended to be fixed to a gliding board and the housing being secured to the retaining means (4).
Fixing device (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a casing (7) movable in translation with respect to the structured element (14), the casing being intended to be fixed to a gliding board and the structured element being integral with the retaining means (4).
Sliding equipment (1), characterized in that it comprises a gliding board (2), in particular a cross-country ski, and a binding device (3) according to one of the preceding claims.