EP1935460B1 - Article comprising a link for holding or tightening a foot or a shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The article has links for retaining or locking a foot or shoe and including a covering section (70) covering the foot or shoe. The covering section has a monoblock frame (120) and comfort element (140). The comfort element includes synthetic material e.g. polyurethane, molded on the frame. The frame includes beams and bridges forming a circumference around a traversing central opening.

Description

The invention relates to the field of sports articles comprising a retaining or tightening link of a foot or a shoe. The invention relates more particularly to a device for retaining a foot or a shoe on a sports machine, or a shoe as such.

Such articles are used for the practice of various sports, such as sliding, rolling, or walking sports. It can be snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow or water, snowshoeing, rollerblading, walking, or whatever.

In the case of a device for retaining a boot on a snowboard, a tie generally comprises a portion of the shoe cover. A reversible clamping mechanism makes it possible to tighten or loosen the link. It follows that the cover section tightens the shoe reversibly.

Traditionally the cover section includes a frame and a sheath. The reinforcement gives the cover section mechanical properties, particularly with regard to longitudinal tensile strength. Thus even if the frame is flexible along a transverse axis, to match the shape of the shoe, it remains substantially inextensible longitudinally. This allows a substantially constant tightening by the link. The sheath, meanwhile, surrounds the frame to dampen the contact of the cover section with the shoe. In other words, a surface of the sheath extends between the frame and the boot to provide comfort during tightening.

Traditionally, the sheath is formed by an assembly sewn of layers of fabrics and foams of synthetic materials. This is why the sheath generally has the appearance of a cushion that envelops the frame. Thus the comfort of tightening is provided by the cushion.

The document FR-A-2853557 discloses a link with a molded comfort element either with the link integrally or juxtaposed.

If it allows a constant and comfortable tightening of the shoe, the cover section has a certain size related to the number of layers of fabrics and foams. This hinders the manipulation of the link by a user. In addition, the cover section is relatively heavy, still because of the number of layers of fabrics and foams. This increases the handling genes.

In addition it appears that the constraints related to the clamping are concentrated in the armature, which forces to size it accordingly. This helps to increase the weight of the cover section, and therefore the device.

In addition, it appears that the manufacture of the cover section is long and relatively complex. It is indeed necessary to assemble several different pieces to get the cushion at first, then the cover section in a second.

In relation to this, one particular object of the invention is to reduce the size of the cover section, in order to facilitate the handling of a tightening link. Another object of the invention is to reduce the weight of the cover section of a link. The invention also seeks to reduce the stresses exerted within the frame. Still, the invention wants to simplify and reduce the manufacturing time of the cover section.

To do this, the invention proposes a device for retaining a foot or a shoe on a sports machine, the device comprising a link, the link comprising a foot or foot cover section, the section of blanket comprising a frame and a comfort element.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the comfort element comprises a synthetic material molded on the frame.

The comfort element is integral with the frame thanks to its overmolding on the latter. Thus the comfort element increases the section of the cover section stressed in tension when tightening the link. This section includes both the frame and element. This reduces the stresses exerted within the frame. In other words the tensile stresses are distributed within the cover section,

The comfort element replaces a cover, which saves the use of layers of fabrics and foams. Thus the size of the cover section is reduced. By corollary the manipulations of the tightening link are facilitated. The absence of cover also allows a weight gain for the link. The latter is lighter.

In addition the manufacture of the cover section is simpler and faster. Indeed the addition of the comfort element by molding, for example by injection, is a simple and fast operation. In addition the section made with two materials is prettier.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'un dispositif de retenue d'un pied ou d'une chaussure sur une planche de snowboard, dans un cas où des liens du dispositif sont fermés, selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un tronçon de couverture d'un lien du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une coupe selon V-V de la figure 3,
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus d'une armature du tronçon de couverture selon la figure 3,
• la figure 7 est une vue de dessus d'un tronçon de couverture d'un lien d'un dispositif, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention.

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, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be realized, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view before a device for retaining a foot or a boot on a snowboard, in a case where links of the device are closed, according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a section on II-II of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a top view of a cover stretch of a link from the device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a section IV-IV of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 is a section according to VV of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 6 is a top view of a frame of the cover section according to the figure 3 ,
• the figure 7 is a top view of a cover section of a link of a device, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Although the embodiments described relate to a device for retaining a foot or shoe on a sports machine, it should be understood that they also apply to other articles as mentioned before.

The first embodiment is presented using the Figures 1 to 6 .

As we see on the figure 1 , a sports article 1 or retainer allows the temporary retention on a machine 2 of a shoe not shown. The machine 2 is for example a board for the practice of snowboarding.

Of course, although the device 1 relates rather to the field of snowboarding, it should be understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

In known manner, the retaining device 1 comprises a base 3 which extends longitudinally between a rear end 4 and a front end 5.

The base 3 has an upper face 6 provided to be opposite the sole of the shoe, and a lower face 7 provided to be above the board 2.

The base 3 is retained in the board 2 by a means represented in the form of a disc 10, itself retained in the board 2 by screws 11.

Of course, other means for retaining the base 3 could be provided.

The base 3 is bordered laterally by a lateral flange 12 and a medial flange 13. Each of the flanges 12, 13 is a part which respectively forms a lateral or medial part of the device 1 to delimit a reception zone 14 of the shoe . When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 12, 13 run along the sole laterally. Of course, it could be provided other than the flanges 12, 13 to form the lateral and medial parts. For example, simple lateral and medial abutments may be suitable.

Preferably, the base 3 and the flanges 12, 13 form a one-piece piece made for example of synthetic material. However, it could be expected that the flanges are parts secured to the base by any means such as gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, or other.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 20, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

According to the first described embodiment of the invention, the rear support element 20 is associated with the flanges 12, 13, for example by means of a hinge 28. The latter is oriented substantially along a transverse axis 29 of the device 1. The hinge 28 may comprise any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a pin, or other.

The joint 28 allows a movement of bringing the rear support member 20 towards the base 3. A benefit that arises is to facilitate storage.

The retaining device 1 also comprises a stop 35 which limits the rearward rotation of the eponymous support element 20.

two links are also provided for removably retaining the boot on the base 4, between the flanges 12, 13, in the reception zone 14.

A first link 50 is located forward, at the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is retained. A second link 51 is located aft, at the instep when the foot is held.

Each of the links 50, 51 extends transversely between the flanges 12, 13.

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

For the sake of convenience only one of the links 50, 51 is described below, for example the second. However it must be understood that what applies to the second 51 may be valid for the first 50.

As is understood in particular by the help of figures 1 and 2 the link 51 comprises a first portion 52, a second portion 53, and a first connection means 54 of the portions.

The first portion 52 extends longitudinally between an attachment end 55 and a free end 56. The attachment end 55 is secured to the lateral flange 12, for example by means of a hinge 57 of axis 58. The hinge 57 may comprise any element such as a screw, a nut, a rivet, or the like.

The second portion 53 in turn extends longitudinally between an attachment end 65 and a free end 66. The attachment end 65 is secured to the medial flange 13 for example by means of a hinge 67 of axis 68. Again the joint 67 may include any element such as a screw, a nut, a rivet, or other.

According to the first embodiment described, the second portion 53 is adjustable in length. For this purpose, the second portion 53 comprises, for example, an attachment section 69, on the end of the attachment end 65, as well as a cover section 70, on the free end 66 side. to one another the sections 69, 70 in an adjustable manner. This means comprises for example a screw-nut 71, but of course other connecting structures could be suitable.

The axes 58, 68 of the two joints 57, 67 are oriented substantially transversely relative to the device 1, which allows the link 51 to cover the shoe uniformly.

The first connecting means 54 is provided for removably connecting the second portion 53 to the first portion 52, the free end 56 of the first portion 52 being above the second portion 53. This means 54 comprises for example a ratchet clamping mechanism 80 secured to the second portion 53, at the free end 66 thereof. The connecting means 54 also comprises a series of teeth 81 shaped on the first portion 52. The teeth 81 are distributed from the free end 56 to the vicinity of the hinge 57. The teeth 81 cooperate with the ratchet to block the link 51 to a determined clamping length.

The first portion 52 is made for example in the form of a rack, made from a plastic material. The teeth 81 and the core 82 of the first portion 52 preferably form a single piece.

The clamping mechanism 80 is seen from the side for example on the figure 2 . It comprises a U-shaped base 83 designed to guide the first portion 52. The base 83 comprises a first flange 84 and a second flange 85 connected by a bridge 86.

The base 83 is secured to the second portion 53 for example by means of a rivet axis 87.

The clamping mechanism 80 comprises a pawl 90 articulated along an axis 91 between the flanges 84, 85. An elastic means, not shown, such as a spring, constantly urges the pawl 90 so that a retaining zone 92 of the ratchet it is pushed towards the bridge 86. The retention zone 92 is represented in the form of a tooth.

A drive lever 93 comprises on the one hand a handling end 94, and on the other hand a drive end 95 provided with at least one tooth 96.

A release button 100 has a cam surface 101 provided to press a cam surface 102 of the pawl 90, and a handling end 103 provided to be operated by hand.

The drive lever 93 and the release button 100 are articulated on the same axis 104, between the flanges 84, 85. An elastic means, not shown, such as a spring, constantly urges the lever 93 so that the handling end 94 is pushed to the bridge 86.

Thus, in the absence of any external stress, the component parts of the clamping mechanism 80 each occupy the portion shown in FIG. figure 2 .

When the first portion 52 is present along the bridge 86 between the flanges 84, 85, that is to say in the base 83, the pawl 90 opposes an increase in the clamping length of the link 51. This means that the end 56 of the first portion 52 can not move in a direction that goes from an inner edge 105 to an outer edge 106 of the base 83.

On the other hand, a movement in the opposite direction is possible. To do this a user can actuate the drive lever 93, using the end 94, so that the teeth 96 drive the portion 52. In this case the end 56 of the portion 52 moves in a direction that goes from the outer edge 106 to the inner edge 105. This means that the clamping length of the link 51 becomes shorter. The tightening of the shoe becomes stronger.

Conversely the user can loosen the link, or even release the shoe by opening the link. For this it is sufficient for it to act, for example with a finger, on the handling end 103 of the release button 100. The drive lever 93 is then not loaded, its handling end 94 occupying the position closer to bridge 86.

The cam surface 101 of the button 100 presses on the cam surface 102 of the pawl 90, so that the retaining zone 92 of the pawl 90 moves away from the bridge 86 and the first portion 52. The link 51 can lengthen because the pawl 90 no longer holds the first portion 52.

Of course, as soon as the action on the button 100 ceases, the pawl 90 resumes a holding position.

One advantage, induced by the structure of the clamping mechanism 80, is that the manual action on the release button 100 tends to lengthen and open the link 51.

As is understood in particular by the help of Figures 3 to 6 the cover section 70 extends in a longitudinal direction L from a first end 110 to a second end 111, transversely from a first edge 112 to a second edge 113, and in thickness of a bearing face 114 to a free face 115. Of course, the bearing face 114 is intended to press on a foot or shoe. In addition, it will be noted that the longitudinal direction L is oriented transversely with respect to the retaining device 1. It should also be noted that the second end 111 of the section 70 merges with the free end 66 of the second portion 53 of the link 51.

The cover section 70 comprises a frame 120, which is substantially longitudinally inextensible to provide a clamping stability of the foot or boot, and also flexible along a transverse axis W to allow adaptation to the foot or the shoe.

The frame 120 should be understood as a framework, or an assembly of structural parts.

According to the first embodiment described, as shown by figure 6 , the armature 120 comprises a first beam 121 on the side of the first edge 112, and a second beam 122 on the side of the second edge 113, and a first bridge 123 at the first end 110, and a second bridge 124 at the level of the second end 111. In other words the frame has the shape of an ellipse. Of course, the bridges 123, 124 connect the beams 121, 122 to one another. In fact the bridges 123, 124 keep the beams apart from each other.

According to the first embodiment described, the beams 121, 122 and the bridges 123, 124 form a single piece. This amounts to saying that the armature 120 is a single piece. But it could alternatively be provided an assembly.

The beams 121, 122 and the bridges 123, 124 form a continuous periphery around a central through opening 125.

The armature 120 comprises for example a plastic material, obtained by any technique such as injection molding or the like. This material may be a polyethylene, a polyurethane, or any equivalent. The beams 121, 122 are dimensioned to be flexible along the transverse axis W, and substantially inextensible in the longitudinal direction L. This is why the section of a beam 121, 122 is much greater than the section of a wire used to make a cloth or a strap. The section of a beam is equal to or greater than 1 mm ² . It is common for the section of a beam to be greater than 5 mm ² .

In addition, there is provided a hole 130 in the first bridge 123, to contribute to making the connection 71 between the attachment sections 69 and cover 70. There are also provided a few holes in the second bridge 124, for example three 131, 132, 133, to allow the establishment of the mechanism 80 on the cover section 70.

Furthermore, a comfort element 140 partially surrounds at least the armature 120.

According to the invention, as is understood in particular by means of Figures 3 to 5 , the comfort element 140 comprises a synthetic material molded on the frame.

The molding of the element 140 is a simple technique and rapid implementation, compared to a traditional sheath for which it takes different layers sewn. In addition, molding allows an intimate contact between the element 140 and the armature 120. As a result, the stresses, related for example to the driving forces, are distributed within the armature. In other words, the stresses are distributed in particular in the beams 121, 122.

According to the first embodiment, the comfort element 140 covers the armature 120 in almost all. This means that the element 140 surrounds the first beam 121, the second beam 122, and also the first bridge 123 and the second bridge 124. In other words the beams 121, 122 and the bridges 123, 124 are embedded in the synthetic material included in item 140.

In addition, this constitutive material of the element also extends into the opening 125 so that, according to the first embodiment, it is completely filled. In fact the comfort element 140 forms a closure flap 141 of the opening 125. The flap 141 extends between the beams 121, 122 and between the bridges 123, 124.

To achieve the cover section 70, a step is to manufacture the armature 120 by any known technique, such as the injection of a plastic material. A subsequent step is to place the armature 120 in a larger mold, that is to say leaving room for the element 140. The latter is overmolded on the armature 120, by any known technique such as the 'injection.

The armature 120 and the element 140 are each made from any synthetic material such as polyurethane, polyamide, polyethylene, or any equivalent. However, the element 140 is elastically deformable reversibly, in the manner of a spring. That is to say that it is extensible, deforming during a solicitation and then resume its original form when the solicitation ceases. In contrast, the armature 120 is substantially elastically deformable. It amounts to saying that it is inextensible. As a result, the beams 121, 122 do not lengthen when tightening the link.

But the flexibility of the element 140, and therefore the shutter 141, allows the cover section 70 to flatten uniformly on the foot or the shoe. This is especially true where the curvatures vary, for example towards the instep or towards the front of the foot. The flap 141 may deform to marry a portion of the shoe that would tend to pass between the beams 121, 122.

There is therefore a great geometric adaptability of the section 70 to a foot or a shoe.

The base molecule used to make the armature 120 or the element 140 may be the same, for example polyurethane. But this molecule is arranged specifically according to the mechanical needs required.

The second embodiment is described below using the figure 7 . For the sake of convenience, the elements common with the first form are designated by the same references.

Thus in the second form there is a cover section 70, an armature 120 with a first beam 121, a second beam 122, a first bridge 123 and a second bridge 124, and an opening 125.

What makes the second embodiment different from the first is that the constituent material of the comfort element 150 does not completely fill the opening 125. Here the material forms a sieve 151 in the opening 125, to the way of a mesh structure. Of course, the screen 151 extends between the beams 121, 122 and between the bridges 123, 124. The technical effects and the benefits derived therefrom are similar to those of the first embodiment.

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

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular the invention also applies to the first link 50, or link before.

Any link portion can be adjustable in length, or not.

Claims (9)

1. Device (1) for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device (1) comprising a strap (50, 51), the strap (50, 51) comprising a section (70) for extending over the foot or the boot, the section (70) comprising a frame (120) and a comfort element (140, 150),
   characterized in that the comfort element (140, 150) comprises a synthetic material overmolded to the frame (120).
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (120) comprises a first beam (121), a second beam (122), a first bridge (123), and a second bridge (124), the beams (121, 122) and the bridges (123, 124) forming a contour around a through central opening (125).
3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (120) is a single unitary piece.
4. Device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the comfort element (140, 150) covers the frame (120).
5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the constituent material of the comfort element (140) extends within the opening (125) and entirely fills the opening.
6. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the constituent material of the comfort element (150) forms a screen (151) in the opening (125).
7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the frame (120) and the comfort element (140, 150) are each made from synthetic material, such as polyurethane.
8. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the cross-section of a beam (121, 122) has an area equal to or greater than 1 mm².
9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame (120) is non-deformable elastically, and in that the comfort element (140, 150) is reversibly elastically deformable.

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