EP1563876B1 - Cross-country ski - Google Patents

Abstract

The skiing has recesses forming channels to receive longitudinal bars (12, 13) extending from rear part of a chamber with ski wax (2) till its front part. The bars are held at the level of a stop (16) that includes two housings in which front ends (17) of the bars are inserted. Rear ends (18) of the bars are maintained by a guiding unit (20) that permits compression of the bars.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sliding sports, and more specifically that of cross-country skiing. It is more particularly a new architecture of boards, intended to allow the adjustment of the stiffness of the board according to the user. It thus makes it possible to adapt a ski to different morphologies, and to different types of practice.

Previous techniques

In general, a cross-country ski is designed on the one hand to optimize the impulses exerted by the skier, and on the other hand to ensure a longest sliding phase outside the impulse phases. This is why the sole of a cross-country ski is strongly arched, and has a central portion, positioned substantially in the area below the shoe, which is commonly called "wax chamber". In this wax chamber, the sole is covered with a coating or retaining wax that ensures good transmission to restraint efforts when the skier exerts a vertical impulse, and that deforms the ski to flatten the wax of the chamber fart against the snow.

Apart from these impulse phases, only the parts of the sole located further forward and further back of the wax chamber are in contact with the snow, which makes it possible to take advantage of sliding characteristics conferred by the wax of slide that covers them.

It is therefore conceivable that the curvature imparted to the gliding sole is a very important parameter for optimizing performance. It is therefore essential that this curvature or curvature is preserved to prevent, for example, the wax of the wax chamber from coming into contact with the snow during the sliding phases, when the skier has a weight greater than that for which the mechanical structure of the ski has been designed.

It is also understood that the impulses exerted by the skier can have a different duration depending on whether the skier is more or less powerful. Thus, there is a need to be able to adapt the deformability of the ski to the type of practice and technique used, as well as the skier's jig.

FR-A-1 470 094 discloses a ski with variable elasticity with rigid longitudinal benches integrated into the body of the ski.

Presentation of the invention

The invention therefore relates to a cross-country ski whose lower face is arched to form a wax chamber, positioned substantially in the area below the shoe of the user.

According to the invention, this ski is characterized in that its upper face comprises at least one recess, this or these recesses receiving a rigid longitudinal bar, extending from the back of the wax chamber to the front from this room. One of the ends of each bar abuts on a fixed element relative to the ski, while the complementary means, cooperating with their ends of each bar are provided to ensure the setting of adjustable compression of each of the bars.

In other words, the ski incorporates means that adjust the stiffness and therefore the camber of the ski under a variable load. It is thus possible to guard against a risk of contact of the wax chamber with the snow, especially when the skier is resting on both skis during the practice of the alternative step.

Thus, when it is necessary to maintain a given camber for a higher load, the bar or bars are put in a state of greater compression, so as to withstand greater efforts.

In practice, very varied architectural means can be used to achieve this compression setting.

It will be noted first of all that the means for compressing the bars can act either concomitantly on the two bars, or independently on each of the bars.

According to an alternative embodiment, the means for compressing the bars may comprise an element which is screwed parallel to the bar and which cooperates with the end of the bar or bars.

Compression can also be achieved by means of a mechanism comprising an articulated compass, the ends of which cooperate with the free ends of the bars, the point of articulation of the compass being fixed to it relative to the ski.

In another alternative embodiment, the compression can be obtained by a mechanism including an eccentric cam cooperating with the ends of the bars. This mechanism can be replaced by another mechanism having sloping faces, whose slope is not perpendicular to the direction of the bars, and which cooperate with complementary surfaces integral bars. These complementary faces may be the ends of the bars themselves, or else elements attached to the ends of the bar.

Overall, the use of a simple tool, such as a screwdriver, makes it easy to adjust the compression of the bars.

In other alternative embodiments, compression means may comprise a set of spacers of different dimensions, one of which is interposed between a fixed point of the ski at the end of the bars. In other words, in this case, the adjustment of the compression of each bar is effected by the establishment of a wedge of appropriate size.

The shape of the various bars and recesses receiving them allows the establishment of a fastening plate of the shoe, which covers the bars. Advantageously, this plate has a protruding zone under its face lower, this protruding zone coming into contact with the upper face of the board between the bars.

In practice, the elements located at the ends of the characteristic bars can cooperate with the body or bodies of the binding of the boot on the ski. By attachment member is meant either the attachment device of the tip of the shoe, or a guide element of the rear part of the shoe, having ribs and / or grooves cooperating with the sole of the shoe.
Thus, the fixed element forming a stop of the characteristic bars can serve as a support for a member of the fastener. One can also provide that it is the complementary means, allowing the compression of the bars, which serve as a support for the fastener member.

Advantageously in practice, the fixed element or the complementary means may have a form of slide, allowing the longitudinal adjustment of the position of the fastener member.

Alternatively, one of the fastener members may be slidably mounted on the longitudinal bar for the purpose of adjusting its longitudinal position.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective sommaire d'un ski conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale le long d'un évidement caractéristique.
• La figure 3 est une coupe transversale du ski au niveau de la chambre à fart.
• La figure 4 est une vue de détail en perspective sommaire d'un mode de réalisation des moyens de réglage en compression des barres caractéristiques.
• Les figures 5, 6 et 7 sont des vues de variantes de réalisation des moyens de réglage de la compression.
• La figure 8 est une vue de côté d'un autre mode de réalisation des moyens de mise en compression.
• La figure 9 est une vue éclatée d'une variante de réalisation des moyens de compression.
• La figure 10 est une vue de dessus d'une autre variante de réalisation des moyens de compression.
• La figure 11 est une vue en perspective sommaire d'un autre mode de réalisation des moyens de compression.
• La figure 12 est une vue en perspective sommaire de la portion centrale d'un ski selon une variante de réalisation dans laquelle la fixation coopère avec les éléments de mise en compression des barres caractéristiques.
• La figure 13 est une vue en perspective sommaire de la portion centrale d'un ski incluant un organe de la fixation selon une variante d'exécution.

The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of the appended figures in which:

• The figure 1 is a summary perspective view of a ski according to the invention.
• The figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along a characteristic recess.
• The figure 3 is a cross section of the ski at the wax chamber.
• The figure 4 is a detailed perspective perspective view of one embodiment of the characteristic bar compression setting means.
• The Figures 5, 6 and 7 are views of alternative embodiments of the compression adjustment means.
• The figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the compression means.
• The figure 9 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the compression means.
• The figure 10 is a top view of another alternative embodiment of the compression means.
• The figure 11 is a brief perspective view of another embodiment of the compression means.
• The figure 12 is a summary perspective view of the central portion of a ski according to an alternative embodiment in which the attachment cooperates with the compression elements of the characteristic bars.
• The figure 13 is a brief perspective view of the central portion of a ski including a fastener member according to an alternative embodiment.

Way of realizing the invention

As already mentioned, the invention relates to a cross-country ski equipped with means for adjusting its stiffness, and therefore its hanger.

More specifically, and as illustrated in figure 1 , a cross-country ski (1) has in known manner, in its central part an area (2) called "wax chamber". The sole of this wax chamber (2) is coated with a layer of retaining wax, and therefore must not come into contact with the snow in the sliding phases, but only in the impulse phases. This wax chamber extends slightly forward and back of the zone in which the shoe is located. In front of and behind this wax chamber (2), the sole (3) has sliding zones (4), coated with a wax of different nature, facilitating sliding.

According to the invention, the ski comprises one or more recesses (10), made on its upper face (11), and forming channels receiving longitudinal bars (12, 13). The number of these recesses can be variable, and it is chosen according to the additional stiffness that one wishes to confer on the ski.

Preferably, this number of recesses is equal to two, in particular for questions of mechanical stability, and also of size, that is to say to thus allow the establishment of the fixing plate.

Thus, as illustrated in figure 2 the recesses or channels extend over a length of the order of one meter. In the form shown, these channels (10) are of a depth substantially corresponding to half the thickness of the bars they accommodate (12, 13), but this depth can be adapted in particular to the size of the bars.

In the form shown, these bars (12, 13) have a cylindrical sectional shape, but other variants can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. These bars may be solid or hollow depending on the material that constitutes them, as long as they have sufficient stiffness.

Maintaining these bars inside the characteristic recesses is at the front at a stop (16) which may advantageously comprise two housings within which are inserted the front ends (17) of the bars. At the median level, the bars are held inside the characteristic channels (10) by the fixing plate (15).

At the rear, the ends (18) of the bars are held by guide means (20) which also provide in accordance with the invention the compression of the bars. Multiple variants can be envisaged for obtaining this compression, and in particular that illustrated in FIG. figure 4 which comprises tubular clevises (21) receiving the rear ends of the bars. These ends (18) are threaded to cooperate with a thread made to inside the clevises (21). A screwthread (23) makes it possible to ensure the relative displacement of the end (18) with respect to the yokes (21), and therefore with respect to the ski. In this case, the compression setting of each bar is done independently.

An illustrated variant to the figure 5 allows to ensure the simultaneous adjustment of the setting in compression. In this case, the ends (18) of the bars and the yoke (25) are smooth. The two bars (12, 13) are coupled by a connecting piece (26) having pins (27) inserted inside a housing (28) formed at the end of the bars or in the bar even in the case where it is tubular. This connecting piece (26) comprises a screw (30) engaged in the central part (31) of the yoke (25), so that the screwing makes it possible simultaneously to compress the two bars (12, 13). ).

Other variants may be envisaged, in particular by means of a compass type system.

Thus, the mechanism illustrated in figure 6 comprises two branches (40, 41) articulated with respect to each other and with respect to a fixed point (42) on the ski. The angle between these two bars (40, 41) can be adjusted by means of a screw (43) for example.

The screwing action changes the distance, in the longitudinal direction of the ski, between the point of articulation (42) and the ends (44, 45) of the branches. These branches are extended by articulated links (46,47), whose swivel ends cooperate with the ends of the bars (12, 13).

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in the figure 7 wherein the legs of the compasses (50, 51) have inclined surfaces (53) engaging the ends of the bars (12, 13). The displacement of the two branches (50, 51) causes the displacement of the point of contact (54) between these sloping surfaces (53) and the bars, and thus the setting in adjustable compression of the bars.

Other variants can be made and in particular that illustrated in FIG. figure 8 wherein the rear end (18) of the bar (12) engages an eccentric cam (60). This eccentric cam (60) can pivot about a fixed axis relative to the ski so that its rotation pushes the end of the bar forward, and thus causes the compression of the bar.

A similar system can be set up as illustrated in figure 9 . Such a mechanism (70) comprises a piece (71) in which are inserted the rear ends (18) of the bars. This intermediate piece (71) is covered by a fixed cover (72) relative to the ski, in which can move a wheel (73). The upper part (74) of the wheel (73) is circular, while the lower part (75) of this wheel is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation (76) of the wheel relative to the cover (72). This portion (75) forms an eccentric cam which cooperates with a housing (78) formed in the intermediate piece, so that the rotation of the wheel (73) causes a displacement in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate piece (71), and therefore the compression of the bars.

A similar result can be obtained with a beveled wedge system as illustrated in FIG. figure 10 . In this case, the rear ends (18) of the bars receive a first shim (80) whose rear face (81) is not perpendicular to the axis of the ski. This first shim (80) cooperates with a second shim (83) having a front face (84) also inclined.

This shim (83) has a transverse translation capacity relative to the ski, via a mounting piece (85) integral with the upper face of the ski. The action on the screw (86) allows a transverse displacement of the shim (83), and thus the exercise of the longitudinal forces on the first shim (80).

Other variants may be implemented, in particular that illustrated in FIG. figure 11 in which the rear ends (18) of the bars come to chase each other each in a housing (91) in a fixed part (90) relative to the ski. This piece (90) has a lateral opening (92). This opening can receive shims (93) of variable size. The front face (94) of these wedges (93) comes into contact with the rear ends of the bars (18), thus putting them in a state of compression which is thus variable along the width of the shim (93). The implementation of these wedges (93) is done by ensuring manually or mechanically the cambering of the ski. we can provide means to prevent the wedge from escaping unexpectedly in the case where the ski marries a very important camber. It is also possible to provide reinforcements that prevent the end (18) of the bars (12, 13) from punching the shims.

In the variant illustrated in figure 12 , the bars (13) are mounted in two recesses (101), and are compressed between firstly a first fixed element (102) and a second fixed element (103) inside which the ends are screwed ( 18) bars. More specifically, the first fixed element (102) forming a stopper receives on its upper face the rear member (105) of the binding, which has ribs (106) for cooperation with the sole of the boot. This rear member (105) may be made in one piece as illustrated schematically, or it may consist of several assembled parts, one cooperating directly with the first fixed element (102), the other having the guide ribs ( 106). In the illustrated form, the rear member (105) cooperates with the fixed member (102) by a slide mechanism (108), allowing its longitudinal adjustment to account for the size of the user. Of course, various forms of slides can be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention. Locking of the rear member (105) on the fixed member (102) can be obtained by means of locking means accessible through the openings (107).

In the same spirit, the front fixed element (103) also comprises a slider shape for adjusting the position of the base (110) of the fastener member having the hooking mechanism of the front end of the shoe (not shown). The adjustment position can be indexed by means passing through the opening (111). The upper part (not shown) comprising the hooking mechanism is fixed on the base (110) at the threads (113).

In the variant illustrated in figure 13 , the rear member (120) of the binding, comprising the ribs (121) is mounted with a portion (122) which rests directly on the upper face (123) of the ski, and a portion (124) which extends to the interior of the recess (125) receiving the characteristic bar (13). This bar is shown only over part of its length, between the holding struts (126). The bar (13) passes through the portion (124) present in the recess (125) so that it retains the rear member (121) on the ski. A mechanical indexing mechanism (not shown) may be provided to prevent longitudinal displacement of the rear member (121) of the attachment, and even allow its adjustment in longitudinal position.

Of course, the invention is not limited solely to the illustrated embodiments, particularly as regards the location of the adjustment means at the rear level of the ski. These adjustment means can of course be found at the front of the board without departing from the scope of the invention. It follows from the foregoing that the invention makes it possible to easily adjust the stiffness of the ski, in order to maintain an optimized camber with respect to the weight of the skier and his type of practice. This greatly limits the risk of the chamber coming into contact with the snow during the sliding phases.

Claims (13)

1. A crosscountry ski (1), the lower face (3) of which is curved to form a wax zone (2) positioned substantially in the region lying below the user's boot, characterized in that its upper face (11) has at least one recess (10), and wherein each recess (10) holds a rigid longitudinal bar (12, 13) extending from the rear of the wax zone (2) to the front of said zone, with one of the ends (17) of each bar (12, 13) abutting (4) on an element (16) which is fixed relative to the ski, while complementary means (20) interacting with the other end (18) of each bar (12, 13) are provided in order to adjustably compress said bar (12, 13).
2. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means (25-31) for compressing said bars act jointly on the two bars (12, 13).
3. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means for compressing said bars have one or more elements (23) which are screwed parallel to the bars (12, 13) and interact with the end of the bar or bars.
4. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means for compressing said bars have an articulated linkage (40, 41; 50, 51) the free ends (44, 45; 43-54) of which interact with the ends (18) of said bars.
5. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means for pressing said bars have an eccentric cam (60) interacting with the ends of said bars.
6. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means for compressing said bars have sloping faces (84) with a slope not perpendicular to the direction of said bars, which interact with a complementary surface (81) integral with said bars.
7. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means for compressing said bars have a set of wedges (93) with different sizes, one of which is interposed between a fixed point of the ski and the ends of said bars.
8. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it has a boot binding plate (15) covering said bars (12, 13).
9. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said plate has a protruding region (19) under its lower face, which comes in contact with the upper face of the board between said bars (12, 13).
10. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the fixed element (102) is used to support a component (105) of the binding for fastening the boot on the ski.
11. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the complementary means (103) are used to support a component (110) of the binding for fastening the boot on the ski.
12. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the fixed element (102) or the complementary means (103) are designed as a slideway for longitudinally adjusting the position of the component (105, 110) of the binding for fastening the boot on the ski.
13. The crosscountry ski as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a component (121) of the binding for fastening the boot on the ski can slide on the longitudinal bar (13).

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