EP1512441A1 - Fastening device for a boot or a shoe on a sporting good - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a base associated with a rear support unit (40) that includes a support side (47) opposite to a free side (48). The unit (40) is rotatably mounted with respect to the base. A toe piece (60) has a slide (72) movable along the rear support unit and a unit for immobilizing the slide on the unit (40). A rear wall or support (90) covers the slide on the side of the free side. The immobilization unit traverses the wall.

Description

The invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a shoe on a machine sport.

Such devices are used for snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or on water, snowshoe, rollerblading, or whatever.

Some devices according to the prior art comprise a seat, intended to accommodate the foot sole or sole of the footwear and a rear support element intended for support the lower leg of a user. The rear support element has a support surface opposed to a free face, the support face receiving the lower leg.

The seat is associated with the rear support element as follows. First of all the seat extends in length from a rear end to a front end. The rear support element meanwhile has an attachment end opposite to a free end, an axis joint substantially transverse connecting the attachment end to the seat. The rear support element is therefore rotatably mounted relative to the seat. The joint makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the device for its storage, by tilting the rear support element forward.

A stop is provided to limit a rotation towards the rear of the rear support element. The stop is adjustable, to adapt the device to the user. As such, the stop includes a movable cursor along the rear support element, as well as a means for immobilizing the slider on the back support element. It suffices to act on the means of immobilization for ability to adjust the position of the cursor, and therefore the angular position of the support element back to the seat.

Generally the cursor and the immobilizing means are located on the side of the free face of the rear support element, so that the cursor position can be adjusted as well when the shoe is in or out of the device. An adjustment is possible because the immobilization means is directly accessible. This is a characteristic of use of the device.

In the case of snowboarding it is particularly possible to adjust the angular position of the rear support element, relative to the chassis, without taking off.

However, it appeared that in certain circumstances the adjustment of the position of the slider is difficult. This can occur when foreign bodies interfere with movement or the immobilization of the cursor along the rear support element.

For example, snowboarding snow or ice can be an obstacle to moving or stopping the cursor. The latter generally has teeth intended to cooperate with a toothing of the rear support element. If snow or ice is fits in the teeth, moving the cursor becomes difficult or impossible in some extreme cases. It is the same for immobilization because the taking of teeth is not done, or at least not correctly. The user must therefore clean his device, which is often long and impractical.

The purpose of the invention is notably to facilitate the movement of the cursor along the rear support element, or its immobilization.

To do this, the invention proposes a device for receiving a foot or a shoe on a sports vehicle, the device comprising a seat associated with a rear support element, the rear support element having a bearing surface opposite to a free face, the element rear support being rotatably mounted relative to the seat, an abutment limiting a rotation towards the rear of the rear support member, the stop comprising a movable cursor along the rear support element and a means for immobilizing the cursor on the support element back.

The reception device according to the invention is characterized in that a wall covers the cursor on the side of the free face, the immobilizing means passing through the wall.

The wall strongly or even totally limits the arrival of foreign bodies at the level of cursor. Simultaneously the immobilization means remains accessible to the user. So the inclination of the rear support element can be easily done. The absence of foreign bodies avoid cleaning. An advantage that results is the time saved. Another advantage is the comfort of use of the device, as regards the inclination adjustment of the element rear support.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'un dispositif d'accueil selon la forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue partielle du dispositif, similaire à la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue arrière du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue avant partielle du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 4.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, in a non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be realized, and in which :

• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a reception device according to the embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a partial view of the device, similar to FIG.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is a partial front view of the device of FIG. 1,
• Figure 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI of Figure 4.

Although the form described below refers rather to the field of snowboarding, it must be understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

The embodiment is presented using FIGS. 1 to 6.

As seen in Figure 1 in perspective, a reception device 1 allows reception temporary on a board 2 of a shoe not shown.

In known manner the reception device 1 comprises a seat 3 which extends in length between a rear end 4 and a front end 5, and in width from a first edge 6 to a second edge 7.

The seat 3 has an upper face 8 provided to be facing the sole of the shoe, and a lower face 9 provided to be above the board 2.

The seat 3 preferably comprises a base 10 covered with a cushion 11. The base 10 is a rigid piece which delimits at least partly the lower face 9. The cushion 11 as to at least partially delimits the upper face 8. According to the embodiment described, the cushion 11 extends from the rear end 4 to the front end 5 of the seat 3. This allows a cushioned contact with the entire surface of the sole of the shoe. A rear portion 12 and a front portion 13 of the cushion 11 delimit a housing space 14 for the base 10.

Of course, other structures for the seat 3 may be provided, such as for example a base associated with two cushions, one at the back, the other at the front.

The seat 3 is retained in the board 2 by means made in the form of a disc, itself retained in the board 2 by screws.

Of course, other means of retaining the seat 3 could be provided.

The seat 3 is bordered laterally by a first portion represented in the form of a first flange 20, as well as by a second part represented in the form of a second flange 21. In this case the first flange 20 is lateral and the second 21 is medial, but it could have been the opposite. The flanges 20, 21 delimit a reception area 22 of the shoe. When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 20, 21 run along the sole laterally. Of course, something other than flanges 20, 21 to form the lateral and medial portions. For example stops could suit.

Preferably, the base 10 and the flanges 20, 21 form a single piece made by example in synthetic material. However it could be expected that the flanges 20, 21 are parts secured to the base by any means, such as gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, or other.

It is also provided two links to detachably hold the shoe on the seat 3, between the flanges 20, 21, in the reception area 22.

A first link 23 is located forward, at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is held. A second link 24 is located aft, at the level of the instep when the foot is held.

Each of the links 23, 24 extends transversely between the flanges 20, 21.

Of course it could be expected a number of different links.

The first link 23 comprises for example a lateral portion 25 and a medial portion 26, which are respectively attached to the lateral and medial flanges 21. A device linkage 27 makes it possible to connect to one another, in a reversible manner, the lateral portions 25 and 26. The binding device 27 makes it possible to tighten the shoe according to an intensity desired.

In the same spirit the second link 24 comprises for example a lateral portion 28 and a medial portion 29, which are respectively attached to the lateral flanges 20 and medial 21. Again a connecting device 30 allows to connect to one another, so reversible, the lateral portions 28 and medial 29. The connecting device 30 allows to tighten the shoe to a desired intensity.

The second link 24 also comprises, according to the embodiment described, a division rear 31. The latter extends the second link 24 rearward, to bypass the heel, or the back of the user's ankle or lower leg. As a corollary, the association of lateral portions 28 and medial 29 form a division before 32 of the second link 24. The second link 24 thus completely surrounds the ankle or the lower leg of the user. A advantage that arises is better support of the foot or the shoe on the seat.

Whether or not it has the rear division 31, the second link 24 always allows a function of maintaining the shoe on the device 1.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 40, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

The rear support element 40 comprises a body 41 which extends longitudinally between first 42 and second 43 attachment ends and a free end 44, transversely between a first edge or lateral edge 45 and a second medial edge or edge 46, and thickness between a bearing face 47 and a free face 48.

Of course the support face 47 is provided to receive the back of the lower leg of the user, the rear support member 40 and the base 10 being associated accordingly.

According to the embodiment described, as is generally seen in the figures 1 to 6, the rear support element 40 is rotatably mounted relative to the seat 3. For this the element rear support is connected to the flanges 20, 21 by means of a first articulation 49, located at level of the first attachment end 42, and by means of a second articulation 50, located at the second attachment end 43. Each hinge 49, 50 is respectively oriented substantially along a first 51 and a second 52 transverse axis of the device 1. Each hinge 49, 50 may comprise any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a pin, or other.

Each articulation 49, 50 allows a rotational movement of the rear support element 40 to the seat 3. An advantage that arises is to facilitate storage.

According to the embodiment described, an abutment 60 limits the rotation toward the rear of the element eponymous support 40.

Without limitation, the stop 60 comprises a link 61 which runs along the support element 40. The link 61 is disposed on the seat 3 and cooperates with the rear support element 40 to limit the rotation towards the rear of the rear support element 40. The path of the link 61 can be done as follows. For example link 61 includes a first portion or portion 62 and a second portion or medial portion 63, one extending the other. Each portion 62, 63 of the link 61 is connected to the base 10 respectively by a first 64 and by a second 65 low link, which 64, 65 are each located in front of the first 49 or the second 50 articulation.

The link 61 is preferably made from a cable, the latter presenting a first end or lateral end 66, and a second end or medial end 67. Each of the ends 66, 67 is connected to the lateral or medial flange 21 by any means known to those skilled in the art, to form the first 64 and second 65 low links. The use of a crimped tip may be suitable. Between the low links 64, 65, the cable 61 follows each flange 20, 21 away from it, to go along the rear support member 40 in a position further away from the flanges.

More specifically, the first portion 62 and the second portion 63 are each connected to the rear support element 40 by a first 68 and a second 69 high link, which are located respectively between the first 42 or second 43 attachment end and the free end 44. Without limitation, the high links 68, 69 each comprise a first 70 and a second 71 guide.

There is also provided means for adjusting the angular position of the rear support member 40 relative to the base 10. In this way, the stop 60 comprises a slider 72 movable on the along the rear support member 40. The slider 72, located between the guides 70, 71, maintains the cable 61. It is sufficient to move the slider 72 closer or further away from the free end 44 to modify the free length of the portions 62, 63 of the link 61, between the low links 64, 65 and the rear support element 40. For this purpose any means of immobilization known to the man of the profession is suitable. The immobilizing means comprises for example a screw 73 for tightening or loosen the slider 72 relative to the rear support element 40. Here the means of immobilization comprises complementary toothing 74, 75, respectively on the slider 72 and on the rear support element 40, which allow a positioning of the one on the other. These teeth 74, 75 are well known to those skilled in the art. They 74, 75 allow immobilization by obstacle of the slider relative to the rear support element. However, alternatively, immobilization by friction can be provided. In this case the teeth disappear in favor of regular surfaces.

According to the invention a wall 90 covers the slider 72 on the side of the free face 48, the means immobilizing the slider 72 passing through the wall 90.

The wall 90 strongly limits, or even totally, the arrival of foreign bodies at the level of cursor 72. Simultaneously the immobilization means is accessible to the user. So the Tilt adjustment of the rear support element can be done easily. The absence of body strangers let the cursor move easily.

According to the embodiment described the wall 90, which covers the slider 72, is a reinforcement which extends longitudinally substantially from the attachment ends 42, 43 to the free end 44 of the rear support member 40. In the transverse direction, the reinforcement 90 extends substantially from the lateral edge 45 to the medial edge 46. Finally in thickness, the reinforcement 90 has a free face 91 opposite to an anterior face 92. The free face 91 is confuses with the free face 48 of the rear support element 40. In other words, the reinforcement 90 is the portion of the rearmost support member 40 the most remote and the largest. He gives 90 the rear support member 40 a large part of its mechanical strength. 90 reinforcement includes relatively rigid materials, such as metals or plastics.

The free face 91 is substantially convex in the transverse direction, which allows the rear support member 40 to support the pulses from the lower leg of the user, and better accommodate the lower leg.

The free face 91 has a continuity of curvature, which is conducive to driving easy because a possible obstacle tends to slide on the face 91 without clinging to it. For example, powder snow, which rubs the rear support member 40 is little, if any, adherent vis-à-vis of element 40. In other words deep snow penetration is improved.

The thickness of the reinforcement 90 is substantially constant, to facilitate the manufacture of the rear support element, as well as the position of the slider 72. Indeed the screw 73 crosses the reinforcement 90 by a slot 93. The latter 93 is oriented longitudinally by relative to the rear support element 40, through the toothing 75, since the toothing 75 is located on the reinforcement 90. A constant thickness of the reinforcement 90 allows immobilization of the cursor 72, or a release, for the same number of turns of screws. This regardless of the position longitudinal screw 73 in the slot 93.

In order to allow tool-less handling, there is provided a handle 94 associated with the screw 73. For example, the handle 94 is hinged relative to the screw 73. The handle 94 can be deployed to turn the screw 73, as is the case in Figure 6. On the contrary the handle 94 can be folded down to reduce clutter, as is the case in the figures 1 to 5.

Of course any other mode of actuation of the screw can be provided, including the use of a tool.

Alternatively other means of immobilization of the cursor can be provided, such as a cam mechanism.

According to the embodiment described, the slider 72 is movable relative to the reinforcement 90 which covers the slider 72. Since this reinforcement 90 constitutes a continuous part connected to the seat 3, the rear support member 40 is held in angular position when the slider 72 is immobilized.

It appears that the slider 72 and the handle 94 are respectively on either side of the same wall or reinforcement 90. The slider 72 is on the side of the shoe, facing the face former 92, while the handle 94 is on the side of the free face 91, accessible to the user in all cases.

By corollary the toothing 75 of the rear support element 40 is on the side of the shoe, on the anterior face 92.

To improve the mechanical strength of the rear support element, a means is provided for stiffening. This comprises for example ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 projecting from relative to the anterior face 92. In addition to a stiffening function, the ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 allow to keep a low mass for the rear support element 40.

As is well understood, particularly with reference to FIG. 6, a hood 99 is provided. to form in part at least the bearing face 47 of the rear support element 40. The hood 99 rests on the ribs 95, 96, 97, 98, as well as on the anterior face 92. transmit the supports, from the lower leg of the user, to the wall or reinforcement 90. consequently these supports are transmitted to the stop 60.

The cover 99 covers the slider 72 and the teeth 74, 75 on the side of the bearing face 47. the reinforcement 90, the cover 99 forms an enclosure 100 for the reception of the cursor 72. The enclosure is almost closed, with the exception of the slot 93 for the passage of the screw 73, and guides 70, 71 for the passage of the link 60. The slot 93 is reduced in size relative to the cursor 72, and the handle 94 at least partly covers the slot, so that the foreign bodies do not penetrate not substantially into the enclosure 100. At the level of the guides 70, 71, the clearance between the link 60 and each guide is reduced, also making the passage of foreign bodies almost impossible. Thus the adjustment of the position of the slider 72 is in good conditions.

In general, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Of course the invention is not limited to the embodiment described, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, a different architecture can be provided for the rear support element.

It has been described a rear support element 40 with a rear wall or reinforcement 90 which extends substantially over the entire surface of the element 40, a cover 99 coming to cover the front for to form an enclosure 100. However the opposite is possible. The reinforcement can be at the front, the hood coming to cover the back. In this second case the cursor is also housed between a reinforcement and a hood. But it is then the hood that plays the role of the cover wall of the slider within the meaning of the invention.

Of course the cover wall, whether formed by the reinforcement or by the cover, can present a relief such as that which would delimit a reduced enclosure for the cursor movement. The free face 48 would then have a hollow hump.

In a complementary manner, one or more deformable plugs may be provided in the slot 93 traversed by the screw 73. These plugs would be more or less compressed according to the position of the screw in the slot. The plugs further improve the tightness of the enclosure 100.

Claims (10)

Device (1) for receiving a foot or boot on a sports machine (2), the device (1) comprising a seat (3) associated with a rear support element (40), rear support member (40) having a bearing face (47) opposite to a free face (48, 91), the rear support member (40) being rotatably mounted relative to the seat (3) a stop (60) limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support member (40), the stop (60) comprising a slider (72) movable along the rear support member (40) , and means for immobilizing the slider (72) on the rear support element (40),
characterized in that a wall (90) covers the slider (72) on the side of the free face (48, 91), the immobilizing means passing through the wall (90). Reception device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall (90) is a reinforcement which extends longitudinally substantially from attachment ends (42, 43) to a free end (44). ) of the rear support element (40), transversely substantially from a lateral edge (45) to a medial edge (46) of the rear support element (40), and in thickness between a free face (48, 91) and an anterior face (92). Reception device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for immobilizing the slider (72) comprises a screw (73) which passes through the reinforcement (90) by a slot (93). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for immobilizing the slider (72) comprises complementary toothing (74, 75) respectively on the slider (72) and on the wall (90). Reception device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a handle (94) is associated with the screw (73), the slider (72) and the handle (94) being respectively from other reinforcement or wall (90). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a cover (99) at least partially forms the bearing face (47) of the rear support element ( 40). Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the free face (48, 91) is substantially convex in the transverse direction. Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the free face (48, 91) has a continuity of curvature. Reception device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall which covers the slider (72) on the side of the free face is a cover. Reception device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises links (23, 24) for removably holding the boot on the seat (3).

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