EP0725578B1 - Cross country ski shoe and cross country ski/binding/shoe unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Cross country ski shoe consisting of an upper (1) integral with a sole (5) having securing and articulating means (8) on the upper part of the foot-bearing surface of the ski. Said means is located near the front end of the sole (5). The bottom side (6) of the sole (5) also comprises a second fastening means (9), arranged in the area between the heel and the metatarsophalangeal joint, capable of cooperating with a complementary fastening means arranged on the upper part of the foot-bearing surface of the ski.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an improvement made to cross-country ski boots. It also relates to an assembly for the practice of cross-country skiing comprising such a boot and a ski provided with a binding.

Prior art

Among the current techniques for the practice of cross-country skiing, the most traditional relates to that known as of the "not alternative", which consists in alternately launching each ski in front in two parallel rails, possibly formed for this purpose on snow.

For the practice of this technique, low shoes are generally used, the sole of which is flexible, and the upper of which, possibly integral with the sole, has an external buttress.

In order to allow maximum travel of the boot relative to the ski in order to obtain optimum thrust and amplitude of stride, the sole must be flexible and be articulated under the toe of the boot, on the upper face of the ski skate. The advantage of having a flexible sole lies in the fact that it accentuates this thrust.

Most often, the articulation and the fixing of the front of the sole on the ski skate are carried out around an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sole, which advantageously coincides with the axis d balance of the ski, also sometimes called the axis of rotation. This one is generally arranged, according to the standards, under the point of the sole, either just in front of the toes, or just behind and below the toes, to take advantage more effectively of the movements, and the impulses, and to ensure a better ski guide.

At the same time, the soles of these cross-country ski boots have either a relatively wide central groove or two lateral grooves, all longitudinal, intended to cooperate with a respectively central projection or two lateral projections, in order to allow better guiding the ski or better grip of the boot on the ski, in particular during the descent or sliding phases of the two skis simultaneously. Thus, the projections cooperate with the corresponding grooves, and avoid untimely twisting of the shoe, twisting made all the easier when the sole is flexible, and the risks of fracture likely to result therefrom.

If certainly, this projection-groove or projection-slot system is sufficient for experienced skiers, on the other hand, it generally appears to be insufficient for beginners or average skiers, as soon as a slope, even of a limited gradient, presents itself.

Systems have been proposed for attaching the boot back to the ski, in order to secure it to the ski during descents. However, these systems require the installation of a fixing in the rear position. In addition, they induce the provision of a groove behind the heel of the shoe, in order to allow cooperation with the rear binding. Now, more and more, it is sought in cross-country skiing, to produce shoes which are as close as possible to walking shoes.

In document FR-A-2 642 980, a shoe-binding assembly has been described for the practice of cross-country skiing also allowing the practice of off-piste skiing, that is to say ski touring. This assembly comprises a beam articulated on the ski provided with two anchoring means on the sole of the boot. These means are arranged respectively the first at the front of the shoe, the second at the level of the front of the toe (see in particular Figure 6). This arrangement, which calls for an additional part called "beam", is favorable for the practice of ski touring and cross-country skiing in alternative steps. Unfortunately, it does not effectively allow the practice of the skater's step, because in any event, the axis of articulation of the boot proper on the top of the ski always remains disposed at the extreme front of the boot in the immediate vicinity of the hinge pin in the non-reciprocal position However, it is known that too much movement of the boot relative to the ski, affects the effectiveness of the supports during the practice of the skater's step. In addition, this system does not completely solve the problems that arise when descending, because it allows too much movement of the boot relative to the ski due to the joint necessarily attached to the front of the boot.

In document US-A-4 768 804, corresponding to document EP-A-0 182 859, there has been described an assembly of the type in question in which the articulation and fixing means disposed at the level of the front end of the sole conforms to the shape of a transverse channel. In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 12, the sole has three parallel longitudinal grooves having at their front ends hinge means of the type in question, intended to cooperate with complementary means of attachment to the top of the ski. The two outer grooves each receive an axis arranged in the extension of one another, thus forming a single axis of articulation. The central groove has an axis slightly set back relative to these two axes. The rear axis and the imaginary axis corresponding to the two axes of the lateral grooves, authorizes two positions for the practice of skiing, namely the first for the practice of the alternative step, the second, where the boot is firmly fixed on the ski, in particular for the practice of descent, while ensuring good lateral hold thanks to the plurality of parallel grooves. This arrangement cannot be envisaged on current cross-country skis, in particular for the practice of skating, due to the narrowness of these skis. In addition, to facilitate the descent, it is imperative that the sole is trapped over an appreciable length.

The invention overcomes these various drawbacks. It relates to a cross-country ski boot, more particularly intended for practice according to the so-called alternative pitch technique, capable of having sufficient travel of the sole relative to the ski during the phases of progression according to the alternate pitch, but also capable of temporarily securing the sole to the ski, especially during the descent phases.

Description of the Invention

This cross-country ski boot, consisting of a rod secured to a sole and the sole of which has a means of attachment and articulation on the upper face of the skate of a ski, means located in the vicinity of the front end of the sole, is characterized in that the underside of the sole also includes a second fastening means, arranged in the zone between the heel and the metatarsophalangeal joint, able to cooperate with an additional fastening means disposed on the upper face of the ski skate.

In other words, the invention consists in temporarily securing the sole to the ski, so as to prohibit the movement of the boot relative to the binding of the ski, and therefore, to allow easier control of the ski by the skier. , especially during the descent phases, the technique then approaches traditional alpine skiing.

Advantageously, this second fixing means is located just below the anterior limit of the arch of the foot.

In this way, it is possible to maintain optimum safety conditions for skiing, even in a temporarily secured position, without however requiring the installation of fastening means having safety features, as is the case for alpine ski bindings.

In practice, in particular to facilitate walking, the flexible sole has a notched, attached underside, made of rubber.

• un organe apte à coopérer et à retenir le premier moyen de fixation de la chaussure, susceptible de coulisser selon une direction parallèle à la direction longitudinale du ski,
• un moyen de commande, disposé à l'avant de la fixation, destiné à faire coulisser ledit organe pour l'engager ou le dégager du premier moyen de fixation de la chaussure.

The invention also relates to an assembly for skiing using this boot, comprising a ski and a binding, integrated or not integrated into the ski, binding comprising:

• a member capable of cooperating and retaining the first means of fastening the boot, capable of sliding in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski,
• a control means, disposed at the front of the binding, intended to slide said member to engage or disengage it from the first means of fixing the shoe.

This assembly is characterized in that the binding comprises a second member, intended to cooperate and to retain the second means of fixing the sole of the shoe disposed between the heel area and the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Advantageously, these two members are constituted by hooks open towards the front of the ski, these hooks being actuated by the binding control means, only the first hook being engaged in the first binding means of the boot during the practice of the alternative step for the progression in slope or on the flat, whereas the two hooks are respectively engaged in the first and the second means of fixing of the shoe for the progression in particular in descent.

For safety reasons, these two hooks are open towards the front of the ski. However, it can be envisaged that the two hooks are open in the direction of the rear of the ski, or be open in the opposite direction.

Advantageously, the control lever has a cursor that can be actuated with the skier's stick, a cursor intended to effect the engagement of the second hook at the level of the second fastening means of the boot, while the first is already engaged in the first fastening means of the shoe.

Advantageously, the second hook is open in the direction of the front of the ski, and its free end is inclined upwards, and typically has an inclination of 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

The invention therefore differs from the prior art cited in the preamble by the fact that the second attachment and articulation means is disposed between the metatarsophalangeal joint and the heel, and this to cooperate with a second complementary means arranged on the upper face of the ski runner, actuable separately from the first additional fixing means. This provision thus allows the practice of skiing, in particular in alternative pitch, thanks to the flexibility of the boot and also authorizes during descents, a firm blocking of the rear part of the foot, which secures beginner skiers. Thus, thanks to the arrangement of the invention, it is possible to reconcile two contradictory provisions, namely a flexible sole for practicing alternative pitch and a sole rigidly fixed to the ski desirable during descents.

Description of the figures

The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which ensue therefrom will emerge more clearly from the examples of embodiment which follow in support of the appended figures.

Figure 1 is a summary perspective view seen from three quarters below a cross-country ski boot according to the invention.

Figures 2 and 3 show the ski boot seen from below, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic side representation of an assembly for skiing in accordance with the invention.

Figures 5 and 6 are schematic representations in longitudinal section of a binding of the Prior Art, as marketed by the Applicant, for the practice of cross-country skiing according to the technique of alternative pitch, respectively in the open position (Figure 5 ), and in the locked position (Figure 6).

Figures 7 to 9 are figures similar to Figures 5 and 6, of a binding according to the invention, shown respectively in the open position (Figure 7), in the partially locked position (Figure 8) for the actual progression according to the technique of the alternate step, and finally, in the fully locked position (Figure 9), for progression, especially when going downhill.

FIG. 10 represents a detailed schematic view of the front part of the binding according to the invention.

Ways of Realizing the Invention

The cross-country ski boot shown in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a rod (1), open on the front so as to be able to allow the introduction of the foot through the opening (2). In known manner, a flap (3) covers the laces and the other closure means.

At the point (7), and in particular at the toes, the sole (5) has a transverse axis of fixing and articulation (8), intended to cooperate with a complementary fixing means secured to the upper face of the ski skate.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, this shoe comprises, in a co-linear manner with respect to the articulation axis (8), a second fastening means, also constituted by a transverse axis (9), parallel to the first axis (8), and arranged at the level of the arch of the foot, in particular directly above its anterior zone.

This second axis (9) is intended to cooperate with additional complementary means, arranged on the upper face of the ski skate, aligned with said first means and intended to cooperate with this transverse axis (9).

In a practical embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3), these two characteristic articulation axes (8, 9) are each arranged in an unreferenced cavity, provided for this purpose, distinct from each other, provided on the outer face of the sole (5).

Thus, during the practice of cross-country skiing according to the technique known as alternative pitch, in particular during progression on a slope or on the flat in which the skis progress alternately one after the other, only the anterior binding axis ( 8) is secured to the binding provided on the ski skid, in a traditional and known manner.

On the other hand, as soon as a descent occurs, the skier engages the second fastening means coming to cooperate with the second transverse fastening axis (9), and therefore secures the entire sole to the shoe, preventing the movement of said sole. compared to the ski skate.

In doing so, the skier is then in the case of the practice of traditional alpine skiing, in which the entire boot is integral with the ski.

He can then much more easily control the behavior and progression of these skis, especially during turns, untimely skids, etc.

When a new rib presents itself, or a new progression zone, according to the alternative pitch, it separates the attachment means from the second transverse attachment axis (9) and thus resumes its normal progression, the movement of the sole relative to the skiing becoming possible again.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the anterior axis (10) is curved, directed forward, in particular to facilitate the release during fall, so that the assembly behaves like a fixing security, at least insofar as the second means has a laterally releasing member.

In a variant, useful during the practice of walking, the flexible sole has a notched underside attached with rubber, simply perforated to allow access to the cavities in which the two parallel transverse axes of fixing are arranged.

The invention also relates to an assembly for the practice of cross-country skiing by means of such a boot. This set includes a ski, designated by the general reference (30), comprising a spatula (31), a central area called the skate (32), and a heel (33). In known manner, is fixed on the top of the area of the shoe (32) a fixing (35), at the level of which engages and locks the shoe (Figure 4).

Figures 5 and 6 show a binding of the prior art for the practice of cross-country skiing. This binding comprises a horizontal plate (11) fixed on the shoe (32), terminated by a hook (12) open towards the rear of the ski. This base plate, for example made of metal, is fixed on top of the pad area (32) by screws or equivalent means not shown.

The base (11) has two lateral vertical flanges (13) disposed on each side of the ski, at which the horizontal portion (14) of a connecting member (15) is articulated, the other horizontal portion of which (16) is articulated at the level of a lever-shaped control means (17). Under the base (11) and on the top of the shoe (32), slides a horizontal plate (18), the front end (20) of which is articulated by means of a hinge pin (22) at the lower part (21) of said control lever (17), and the rear end of which forms an open hook (19), directed towards the front of the ski, and intended to cooperate with the fixed hook (12).

Thus, in the open position (FIG. 5), the two hooks (12) and (19) provide between them a gap capable of allowing the insertion at this level of the fixing and articulation axis (8) constituting the first shoe fastening means. Once the axis (8) engaged, it is sufficient as shown in Figure 6, to tilt the control lever (17) towards the rear of the ski and down, to induce the approach of the hook (19) against the fixed hook (12), and thus imprison the axis (8) without preventing its free rotation and thus authorizing the release of the heel. In this position, the skier can easily practice the alternative pitch technique, the rotary movement of the boot relative to the ski being limited by means of a damping member (36) shown in FIG. 4.

The tilting of the control lever (17) downward, represented by the arrow in FIG. 6, induces the forward thrust of the ski of the lower portion (21) of said lever, due to the presence of the link (15) doubly articulated, and hence, the forward traction of the horizontal plate (18), and therefore of the hook (19).

According to the invention, this binding thus described further comprises a second horizontal plate (28), capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction of the ski. To this end, the first sliding plate (18) has a longitudinal lumen over its entire length, to allow the passage of said second plate (28). The front end (23) of this second sliding plate (28) is engaged in a slider (24) having on the top a press button (25). The slider (24) is connected to the control lever (17) by means of a substantially horizontal light (27), in which the hinge pin (22) slides from the front end (21) of the first sliding plate ( 18) on the control lever (17). The rear end of the plate (28) takes the form of a hook (26), open towards the front of the ski.

When the skier wishes to practice the alternative step, the two hooks (12) and (19) are, as already said, in abutment, so as to trap the axis (8) of articulation and fixing of the boot, disposed at the toe level. On the other hand, the second fastening axis (9) of the shoe, advantageously located directly upstream of the arch of the foot, is free, that is to say can freely pass in front of the hook (26), held in position back behind this axis (9). In this way, the heel can be freely released to allow the movement of the skier relative to the ski.

In practice, the distance between the two fixing axes (8) and (9) is of the order of eight to ten centimeters.

When the skier approaches a descent, and wishes to secure his boots in a fixed manner with the skis, he presses, for example using the end of his stick on the press button (25), possibly provided with a directed opening upward to facilitate its action, and this to bring the cursor (24) forward in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 9, by sliding the light (27) relative to the axis of articulation (22). In this forward movement, the cursor (24) drives the anterior end (23) of the second sliding plate (28), and therefore brings the hook (26) above the second fixing axis (9) of the shoe arranged directly above the upstream area of the arch of the foot, an axis which is thus trapped and immobilized.

In this way, with the same binding and the same boot, it is possible to practice the alternative step, and to secure almost all or all of the boot on the ski, depending on the location of the positioning of the second binding axis, and this by the simple actuation of a simple member, namely the cursor (24), easy to engage during practice, for example by means of the tip of the stick.

When the skier wishes to take off his shoes, he only has to raise the control lever (17) upwards, as shown in FIG. 7, which drives the cursor (24) and therefore the hook (26) backwards, same as the hook (19). The two fixing axes (8, 9) characteristic of the shoe are thus released simultaneously.

Advantageously, and as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the free end (29) bent forward of the second hook (26) is inclined by 45 degrees relative to the horizontal, so that optimize safety conditions when using such a fastening. Indeed, in the event of a fall with blockage of the skier's foot, this inclined orientation allows the shock to release the second fastening axis (9) of the boot, and thus regain the safety of using a traditional binding.

Taking into account the installation of the second fixing axis (9), posterior with respect to the anterior axis (8) allowing the clearance of the boot relative to the ski, the longitudinal central or lateral slots formed within the sole of the shoe, and hence the corresponding projections of the binding become obsolete and superfluous.

In this way, it is possible to provide said shoes with a sole for traditional walking, such as rubber, which we know to be of great help in sometimes getting to areas or tracks. cross country skiing.

Consequently, they also allow cross-country ski bindings that are simpler to produce and less subject to the risk of breakage, most often generated by stones and other pebbles that get stuck at the slots or grooves made on said soles.

Claims (10)

1. Cross-country ski shoe consisting of an upper (1) joined to a sole (5) and of which the sole has a means of fixing and hinging (8) to the upper surface of the waist of a ski, this means being located close to the front end of the sole (5), characterised in that the lower surface (6) of the sole (5) also has a second means of fixing (9) located in the area between the heel and the metatarsal-phalangeal joint capable of co-operating with a matching means of fixing located on the upper surface of the waist of the ski.
2. Cross-country ski shoe as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the second means of fixing (9) is located precisely vertically below the anterior limit of the arch of the foot.
3. Cross-country ski shoe as claimed in any of claims 1 and 2 in which the first means of fixing (8) consists of a shaft that is transversal with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ski characterised in that the second means of fixing (9) consists of a transverse shaft that is parallel to shaft (8) and located in the same longitudinal direction of the shoe, each means of fixing (8, 9) being accommodated in a separate recess made in the outer surface of sole (5).
4. Cross-country ski shoe as claimed in any of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the first means of fixing (8) is a curved shaft that faces forwards.
5. Cross-country ski shoe as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that flexible sole (5) has a separately fitted, rubber serrated surface.
6. Cross-country ski unit using a shoe as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 comprising a ski (30) and a binding (35) which may or may not be integral with the ski, this binding comprising:

   - a device (18, 19) suitable for cooperating with and retaining the first means of fixing (8) of the shoe and capable of sliding in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski,

   - a means of control (17) placed in front of the binding intended to make said device (18, 19) slide in order to engage it in or release it from the first means of fixing (8) of the shoe;
      characterised in that the binding has a second device (26, 28) intended to cooperate with and retain the second means of fixing (9) on the sole (5) of the shoe located between the area of the heel and the metatarsal-phalangeal joint.
7. Cross-country ski unit as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that the two binding devices that cooperate with the two means of fixing (8, 9) on the sole (5) of the shoe consist of hooks (19, 26) that are open in the forward direction of the ski, these hooks being actuated respectively by the control devices (17, 24) of the binding, only the first hook (19) being engaged in the first means of fixing (8) of the shoe when using the alternate glide technique to move uphill or on the flat whereas the two hooks (19, 26) are respectively engaged in the first (8) and second (9) means of fixing of the shoe in order to travel downhill in particular.
8. Cross-country ski unit as claimed in claim 7 characterised in that the control lever (17) includes a coupler (24) capable of sliding to the front of the binding intended to allow engagement of the second hook (26) in the second means of fixing (9) of the shoe when the first hook (19) is already engaged in the first means of fixing (8) of the shoe.
9. Cross-country ski unit as claimed in any of claims 7 and 8 characterised in that the free end (29) of the second hook (26) is inclined upwards.
10. Cross-country ski unit as claimed in claim 9 characterised in that the inclination of the free end (29) of the second hook (26) is 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

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