FR2834475A1 - DEVICE FOR RETAINING A SHOE ON A SPORTS MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for retaining (80) a shoe on a sports machine (87), the device (80) comprising a side flange (90), a medial flange (91), and at least one link (100, 101) which connects the lateral flange (90) to the medial flange (91). At least one of the lateral (90) and medial (91) flanges is at least partially flexible or semi-rigid.

Description

rearward movement of the support element (61).

i i

  DEVICE FOR RETAINING A SHOE ON A SPORTS MACHINE

  The invention relates to a device for retaining a shoe on a sports machine,

  for which the retention is done by tightening at least a transverse portion of the shoe.

  Such devices are used for the practice of surfing on snow or snowboard, skiing on snow or on water, snowshoeing, roller skating, or the like. A device according to the prior art generally comprises a first and a second

  flanges, as well as at least one link which connects the flanges to each other.

  Each flange is secured either directly to the machine, or to a base itself

  secured to the craft. A flange retains the shoe transversely.

  Each link makes it possible to tighten a transverse portion of the shoe on the machine or on the base, between the flanges. During tightening the link is deformed, to marry the rod of the

shoe between the flanges.

  Thus the shoe is retained on the vehicle, directly or through the base.

  The device allows a user to transmit driving impulses to the machine.

  This is for example the case in snowboarding, a discipline for which the legs incline in particular laterally. The lateral inclinations of one leg induce lateral deformations of the upper of the shoe. As a result of the portions of the rod press on the

  flasks, and other portions press on the link (s).

  Since a flange is rigid and a link is flexible, there appears a discontinuity in the rigidity of the contact surface between the device and the upper of the shoe. This surface suddenly passes from a rigid state to a flexible state, where the flange is extended by the link. In other words, a lower portion of the rod presses on a rigid surface materialized by the flange, while a higher immediately adjacent portion presses on a

  flexible surface materialized by the link.

  2 5 It follows that the flange tends to become embedded in the rod during a lateral inclination thereof, like a knife in a material to be cut. This hinders deformations

  lateral to the stem, and can disrupt the transmission of sensory information.

  Furthermore, the device must accept shoes of different sizes, in particular with regard to width and length. Each shoe is not really maintained in

  3 0 width than in the action area of the link.

  The invention particularly relates to a restraint device which does not interfere, or at all

  less which bother little, the lateral deformations of the rod.

  The invention also relates to a retaining device which improves the retention of the shoe. For this, the invention provides a device for retaining a shoe on a sports machine, the device comprising a lateral flange, a medial flange, and at least one link which

  connects the lateral flange to the medial flange.

  The device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is at least partially flexible or semi-rigid. With such a structure, at least one of its sides is at least partially flexible or semi-rigid from and at least a part of which covers the entire contact surface, between the device and the upper of the shoe is

continuously flexible or semi-rigid.

  It follows that no obstacle tends to become embedded in the rod during a lateral inclination thereof.

  An advantage which results from this is a certain freedom from the lateral deformations of the rod.

  Another advantage is better reliability in the transmission of sensory information. Yet another advantage is a better adaptation of the device to the volume of the rod.

  1 0 the shoe, and therefore better support of the shoe.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood using the

  description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, according to examples not

  restrictive, how the invention can be implemented, and in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to a first embodiment 1 5 of the invention, - Figure 2 is a section along II-II of Figure 1, in a case where a link of the retaining means is open, - Figure 3 is a section similar to Figure 2, in a case where the link of the retaining means is closed, - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to a second embodiment of the invention, - FIG. 5 is a section along VV in FIG. 4, - FIG. 6 is a section similar to FIG. 2, for a third embodiment

of the invention.

  The examples of restraint devices described below relate to the field of snowboarding. This is not limiting and the devices according to the invention could be used in other sports fields, for which identical or similar problems arise.

  The first example is described using Figures 1 to 3.

  A retaining device 80 allows the removable retaining of a shoe 81.

  In known manner, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the retaining device 80 comprises a base 82 which extends longitudinally from a rear end 83 to a front end 84. The base 82 has an upper face 85 provided for be under the sole of the

  Shoe, and a lower face 86 designed to be above a gliding board 87.

  The base 82 is detachably retained on the board 87, by a means shown in the form of a disc 88 and screws 89. The disc 88 allows an adjustment of the position of the

  retainer 80 relative to plate 87.

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

  The retaining device 80 also comprises a lateral flange 90 and a medial flange 91, each of the flanges extending the base 82 upwards. The medial flange 91 is the one near which the big toe is located when the foot is retained in the device. So the device

  as shown is intended to accommodate a right foot.

  Preferably, each of the flanges extends substantially over the entire length of the base.

  82, from the rear end 83 to the front end 84.

  As shown better in Figures 2 and 3, the base 82 and the flanges 90, 91 constitute

  a seat, whose U-shaped section allows lateral support of the shoe.

  A lateral internal face 92 and a medial internal face 93, respectively flanges

  1 0 lateral 90 and medial 91, delimit the gap between the flanges 90, 91.

  The lateral 90 and medial 91 flanges respectively comprise a lateral external part 94 and a medial external part 95 connected to one another, towards the rear of the assembly 81, by a

  hoop 96 which is used to position the heel of the shoe.

  The base 82, the lateral 94 and medial 95 external parts and the arch 96 are shown in the form of a single piece, made for example from a rigid material. he can

  be a reinforced plastic material or not, a metallic material, or other.

  However, provision could have been made for the external parts 94, 95 and / or the arch to be

  parts added by any means, such as screwing, gluing, clipping or other.

  It could also be provided that the position of the arch relative to the base is

2 0 adjustable.

  The retaining device 80 is also provided with a means of retaining the boot-between

  the lateral flange 90 and the medial flange 91, above the base 82.

  The retaining means is represented in the form of two links 100, 101 which each connect

  to each other the lateral flange 90 and the medial flange 91.

  Each of the links 100, 101 can be alternately open or closed to allow passage or retention of the shoe. In addition each link 100, 101 can be stretched more or

  less to adjust the tightness of the shoe.

  Of course, a different number of links could be provided.

  On the other hand, other structures could be provided for the retaining means, such as for example a shoe locking mechanism associated with the base. In this case the

  mechanism is provided to cooperate with a means for hooking the shoe.

  In addition, a rear support element 102 allows rear support with the lower leg. This element 102 is connected to the base 82, by means of the flanges 90, 91, for example by an articulation with a transverse axis 103. The articulation allows a tilting of the element towards the front. rear support, which facilitates the storage of all

retainer 1.

  According to the invention, at least one of the lateral 90 and medial 91 flanges is at least

  partially flexible or semi-rigid.

  ? According to the first example, the internal face 92, 93 of at least one of the lateral flanges 90 and

  medial 91 is delimited by a lateral or medial cushion.

  In this case a lateral cushion 110 delimits the lateral internal face 92 of the lateral flange, and a medial cushion 111 delimits the medial internal face 93 of the medial flange 91. This allows good transverse wedging of the shoe 81 between the flanges 90, 91 The lateral 110 and medial 111 cushions are able to deform, to compensate for unevenness of

  surface or width of the shoe 81.

  Each cushion 110, 111 preferably extends beyond the lateral external part 94 and beyond the medial external part 95 of the flange 90, 91, upwards, in a direction away from the base 82. This ensures a certain continuity in the nature of the contact between the shoe 81 and the retaining device 80. The shoe 81 is always supported on a flexible surface, whether the device 80 is open or closed. When a link 100, 101 is tight, each lateral 110 and medial cushion 11 1 is pressed against the shoe 81. An advantage which

  the result is a better progressiveness of the transverse deformations of the shoe 81.

  It can be provided that one of the lateral 110 and medial 111 cushions is higher than the other.

  The higher of the two covers the upper of the shoe more. The cushion is pinched between the shoe 81 and the link 100, 101 which reduces, or even eliminates, the friction of the upper of the shoe relative to the cushion. The retention of the upper of the shoe is improved on the side where the cushion 110, 111 is higher. I1 can be provided with a higher cushion either on the lateral side,

  2 0 or on the medial side, depending on the style adopted for driving the board 87.

  Each cushion 110, 111 should be considered either as a single long piece, or as a set of several pieces which can be joined or spaced along the

  flange 90, 91. Whatever its structure, it performs damping functions.

  Each cushion 110, 111 preferably has a substantially rectangular section.

  2 5 This makes mass production simpler. However, any other section shape could be suitable, in particular a section with protuberances and / or recesses on the side intended to

contact shoe 81.

  According to the first embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a central cushion 112. This extends substantially from the lateral flange 90 to the medial flange 91 in the transverse direction, as well as substantially from the rear end 83 at the front end 84 in the longitudinal direction of the device 80. The central cushion 112 covers all or part of the base 82, and receives the sole of the shoe 81. The central cushion 112 serves in particular to absorb

  supports between shoe 81 and base 82.

  As shown, the side cushions 1 10, central 1 12 and medial 1 1 1 form a 3 5 one-piece piece called envelope 1 13. However, it could have been expected that they form two

or three pieces.

  The lateral 110, central 112 and medial 111 cushions each have a thickness

  substantially constant. This facilitates manufacturing.

  As best shown in Figure 1, an opening 114 of the central cushion 112 provides access to the disc 88. This allows to adjust the position of the device 80 relative to the

  plate 87 without moving the central cushion 112 or the envelope 113.

  Of course, there may not be provision for opening.

  The retention of the envelope 113 on the base 82 and on the lateral 94 and medial 95 external parts of the flanges 90, 91 can be done by various means such as fitting,

  bonding, screwing, riveting or even by a combination of these means.

  The envelope 113 is preferably made from a flexible material such as

  rubber, silicone, polyamide or other.

  The envelope 113 is preferably produced in the form of a single-layer part, but

  it could include several layers of different materials.

  Of course, the flexibility of the envelope 113 is relative. It is necessary to understand a flexibility such that during the driving of the board, a support of the upper of the shoe on a flange, 91 induces a reversible deformation of the envelope 113, while the external part 94, 95

  of the flange 90, 91 does not deform substantially.

  The deformation of the envelope 113 allows the rod to take support on a surface with more regular mechanical properties, in particular in terms of flexibility. As a result, the pressures exerted on the rod are distributed over a larger rod surface. It decreases

constraints.

  Thanks to this, the wear on the upper of the shoe is very low, if not non-existent.

  Of course, what is valid for the envelope 113, in terms of retention and specific characteristics, is also valid for a lateral cushion 110, medial 111 or central 112

considered as such.

  The second embodiment of the invention is presented using FIGS. 4 and 5.

  2 5 For convenience, only the differences from the first example are

highlighted.

  According to the second example in a known manner, a retaining device 120 comprises a base 121 which extends longitudinally between a rear end 122 and an end

  front 123, and transversely between a lateral flange 124 and a medial flange 125.

  According to the invention, a lateral cushion 130 delimits an internal lateral face 131 of the lateral flange 124, and a medial cushion 132 delimits an internal medial face 133 of the medial flange 125. A central cushion 134 forms with the lateral 130 and medial cushions 132 one piece piece.

  The features of the second embodiment of the invention are as follows.

  At least one of the lateral 130 and medial 132 cushions has a variable height "h", the height "h" being measured perpendicular to the base 121, between the central cushion 134 and the top of the cushion 130, 132. In l 'occurrence, the height "h" is greater towards the rear end 122 than towards the front end 123. This allows better transverse damping

directly below the lower leg.

  The central cushion 134 has a variable thickness. At least one of its rear 135 and front 136 ends is thicker than its central part 137. In this case, the two rear 135 and front 136 ends protrude in a direction away from the base 121,

  relative to the central part 137.

  Of course, provision could have been made for a single end 135, 136 to protrude. In all cases, a projection of the central cushion 134 moves one end of the retained shoe away

  compared to the board. On the one hand, this prevents friction of the shoe in the snow.

  This also makes it possible to amplify the driving impulses, because the transmission of

impulses is more direct.

  The third embodiment of the invention is presented using FIG. 6.

  Again, only the differences from the other examples are highlighted.

  According to the third example in a known manner, a retaining device 140 comprises a

  1 5 base 141 which extends transversely between a lateral flange 142 and a medial flange 143.

  According to the invention a lateral cushion 150 partially delimits at least one lateral internal face 151 of the lateral flange 142, and a medial cushion 152 partially delimits at least one face

  medial internal 153 of the medial flange 143.

  Each cushion 150, 152 is integrated into the lateral flange 142 or medial 143. This means for example that each cushion 150, 152 is housed, at least in part, in a lateral notch 154 of an external lateral part 155 of the lateral flange 142, or in a medial notch 156

  of a medial external part 157 of the medial flange 143.

  Of course, any other way of integrating the cushion 150, 152 into the flange 142, 143 could

be planned.

  In all cases, a central cushion can be provided between the flanges 142, 143, the central cushion forming or not with the lateral 150 and medial cushions 152 a single piece. In all cases the invention is made from materials and according to techniques of

  implementation known to those skilled in the art.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described above, and includes all

  technical equivalents which may fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

  In particular for each restraint, there can always be provided either a cushion

  medial, either a lateral cushion, or a medial cushion and a lateral cushion.

  The retainer may not include a base. In this case each flange is

  3 5 fixed directly to the board.

  For each retainer of the examples described, at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is made of several materials. However, it can be expected that at least one of the

  lateral and medial flanges be made of a single material.

Claims (14)

CLAIM   1- Device for retaining (80,120,140) a shoe (81) on a sports machine (87), the device (80, 120, 140) comprising a lateral flange (90, 124, 142), a medial flange (91,125 , 143), and at least one link (100, 101) which connects the lateral flange (90, 124, 142) to the medial flange (91, 125, 143), characterized in that at least one of the lateral flanges ( 90, 124, 142) and medial   (91,125,143) is at least partially flexible or semi-rigid.   2- retainer (80,120,140) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the lateral (90, 124, 142) and medial (91, 125, 143) flanges is made of a single 1 0 material.   3- retainer (80,120,140) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the lateral (90, 124, 142) and medial (91, 125, 143) flanges is made of several materials.   4- Retaining device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by   the fact that an internal face (92,93,131,133,151,153) of at least one of the lateral (90,124,142) and medial (91,125,143) flanges is delimited by a lateral cushion (110, 130,150) or medial (1 1 1, 132.152).   - Retaining device (80, 120) according to claim 4, characterized in that a lateral cushion (110, 130,150) delimits the lateral internal face (92,131,151) of the lateral flange (90, 124, 142), and by the causes a medial cushion (111, 132, 152) to delimit the internal face   medial (93,133,153) of the medial flange (91, 125,143).   6- retaining device (80,120) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one lateral cushion (110, 130) and / or a medial cushion (111, 132) extends beyond a   lateral external part (94) and / or medial part (95) of the flange (90, 91, 124, 125) upwards.   7- Restraint device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by   the fact that one of the lateral (110, 130,150) and medial (111, 132, 152) cushions is higher than the other.   8- Restraint device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by   the fact that at least one of the lateral (110, 130, 150) and medial (111, 132, 152) cushions   3 0 has a variable height (h).   9- Restraint device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by   the fact that the height (h) of the lateral (110,130,150) and / or medial (111,132,152) cushion is larger towards the rear.   - Retaining device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by   the fact that at least one of the lateral (110, 130,150) and / or medial (111, 132,152) cushions has a substantially constant thickness.   11- Restraint device (80,120,140) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized   by the fact that it comprises a base (82, 121, 141), the lateral flanges (90, 124, 142) and   medial (91, 125,143) extending the base (82,121,141) upwards.   12- Restraint device (80, 120, 140) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized   by the fact that it comprises a central cushion (112, 134) which covers at least part of the base (82, 121, 141).   13- Restraint device (80, 120, 140) according to claim 12, characterized in that the lateral (110, 130, 150), central (112, 134) and medial (111, 132, 152) cushions form a monobloc piece.   14- Retaining device (80, 120, 140) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the central cushion (112, 134) has an opening (114) which allows access to a   disc (88) for retaining the base (82, 121, 141).   1 0 15- retaining device (80, 120, 140) according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one of the rear (135) and front (136) ends of the central cushion (112, 134) is thicker than its central part (137), the rear end (135) and / or front   (136) projecting in a direction away from the base (82, 121).   16- Restraint device (80, 120, 140) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized   by the fact that the lateral (90, 124, 142) and medial (91, 125, 143) flanges are connected to each other the other by an arch (96).   17- Restraint device (140) according to one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that   that at least one of the lateral (150) and medial (152) cushions is integrated into the lateral flange (142) or medial (143).