EP2090338A1 - Device for accommodating a shoe on a sporting implement - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly (1) has a removable integrated device comprising a longitudinal guiding unit with a sliding block to guide a plate (10) with respect to a base (20). The integrated device has an immobilization unit (70) with a lock (78) to immobilize the plate with respect to the base along a longitudinal guiding direction (L). The plate is associated to a removable holding device (4) of a shoe, and the base is associated to a sliding board i.e. ski (3). A reversible locking unit (53) with a hook (56) integrates a rear portion (51) and a front portion (52) of the plate with respect to each other.

Description

The invention relates to the field of assemblies comprising a removable device for securing a plate relative to a base. More specifically, the invention relates to an assembly with a plate adapted to be associated with a removable retaining device of a boot, in the case where the base is intended to be associated with a gliding board.

Such devices are used for the practice of sports, such as cross-country skiing, telemark, hiking, or other.

It is known to associate a plate with a retainer of a shoe, and to associate a base to a gliding board. From there, the plate and the base can be secured to one another removably by a guide means for securing the retaining device to the board.

Generally the guide means extends over a length, often greater than that of the shoe. For example, in the technical field of cross-country skiing, the guide means comprises a slide for longitudinally guiding the plate relative to the base, the slide extending along the shoe. Once the plate is mounted on the base, it is sufficient to immobilize longitudinally so that the attachment to one another is stable. To do this any means of immobilization can be provided.

A problem related to this structure is that of the implementation of the plate on the base. Indeed, the length of the guiding means makes this operation difficult because it is necessary to align the plate and the base, before sliding them relative to each other. The alignment is actually obtained by trial and error because it is done by hand. It is common that the misalignment before assembly slows down the setting up.

In addition the large length of the guide causes a braking effect due to friction between the plate and the base, during a relative movement of one relative to the other. This adds difficulty for setting up. In addition, it also hinders a later adjustment of position, that is to say a small amplitude displacement of the plate relative to the base.

Another phenomenon hinders the establishment of the plate on the base: it is the deformation of the base imposed by the curvature of the ski. Indeed the latter has a curved face where the base is disposed. The face is curved because the thickness of the ski varies between its extremities. In fact the ski is relatively thin towards the ends, and thicker towards the middle. This is why the base is slightly curved after being secured to the ski, despite the fact that it is initially flat. Of course the plate is deformed as the base during its implementation. This deformation, light enough not to harm the whole, however, is an additional embarrassment for implementation.

A subsequent problem, related to the association of the plate and the base by a longitudinal guiding means, is that of accuracy. It is indeed necessary to provide a game mechanical at the slide. This game, necessary for the assembly, must however be minimal to optimize the transmissions of driving impulses or sensory information, between the shoe and the ski. Even if it is reduced the game exists, and the transmissions mentioned above are altered. Driving precision is impaired.

In relation to this, one particular object of the invention is to improve the positioning of the plate on the base, as well as the position adjustment of one with respect to the other.

The invention also seeks to improve the driving accuracy, that is to say to optimize the transmissions of driving pulses or sensory information.

To do this, the invention proposes an assembly comprising a plate, a base, and a device for detachably fastening the plate relative to the base, the plate being provided to be associated with a removable retaining device of a shoe, the base being designed to be associated with a gliding board, the removable fastening device comprising a longitudinal guide means of the plate relative to the base, and an immobilizing means for immobilizing the plate relative to the base in the longitudinal guide direction.

The assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the plate comprises a rear portion and a front portion, and in that a reversible locking means secures to each other the rear and front portions of the platinum.

In fact, the stage comprises two parts that can be assembled or separated. It is therefore possible to mount them alternately on the base. In other words, we first secure one of the parts to the base, then the other. Of course the length of each part is less than the length of the whole, that is to say, the length of the plate. As a result, the guide length at the time of assembly is reduced. Placing a platinum part on the base is easier, because this part is short relative to the base. Alignment is simpler to obtain. In addition, the friction between a part and the base is reduced, also as a result of the reduced length of a part. Braking is minimal. The settings are easier.

It is also observed that each part deforms less than a complete plate for mounting on the base. Setting up is therefore easier. It therefore appears that a platinum in several parts adapts better to the curvature of the ski, compared to a plate in one part.

In addition for platinum parts it is possible to reduce the mechanical clearances at the longitudinal guide means. As a result driving accuracy is improved.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble comprenant une platine, une embase, et un dispositif de solidarisation amovible de la platine par rapport à l'embase, selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est similaire à la figure 1, dans un cas où la platine et l'embase sont séparées,
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon III-III de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe partielle selon IV-IV de la figure 1, montrant la jonction de deux parties de la platine, dans un cas où les parties sont sur le point d'être solidarisées l'une à l'autre,
• la figure 5 est similaire à la figure 4, dans un cas où les parties sont solidarisées,
• la figure 6 est une coupe partielle selon VI-VI de la figure 1, montrant un moyen d'immobilisation de la platine par rapport à l'embase,
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle en perspective arrière de l'ensemble, montrant le moyen d'immobilisation de la platine par rapport à l'embase,
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble, 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 of an assembly comprising a plate, a base, and a device for releasably securing the plate relative to the base, according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is similar to the figure 1 in a case where the plate and the base are separated,
• the figure 3 is a section III-III of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a partial section along IV-IV of the figure 1 , showing the junction of two parts of the plate, in a case where the parts are about to be secured to one another,
• the figure 5 is similar to the figure 4 , in a case where the parts are joined together,
• the figure 6 is a partial section along VI-VI of the figure 1 showing a means of immobilizing the plate with respect to the base,
• the figure 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the assembly, showing the immobilization means of the plate relative to the base,
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Although the embodiments described hereinafter relate to an assembly for cross-country skiing, it should be understood that they also apply to assemblies for other fields as mentioned above.

The first embodiment is presented using the Figures 1 to 7 .

As can be understood by using the figure 1 , a set 1 allows the retention of a shoe not shown on a board slips 3, by means of a removable retaining device 4. The board 3, shown in part only, is in fact a cross-country ski for practice eponym. It involves driving the ski 3 with movements that include an alternative heel lift.

The retainer 4 of the shoe is well known to those skilled in the art. According to the embodiment described, and in a nonlimiting manner, the device 4 comprises in particular a reversible locking mechanism 5 and an elastic return mechanism 6. There is also provided a guide edge 7, in this case a single edge which allows transverse support of the shoe. This is especially true when the heel is plated on the ridge. Alternatively, it will be seen later, several guide edges can be used.

The assembly 1 further comprises a plate 10 adapted to be associated with the retaining device 4. The plate 10 carries the locking mechanism 5, the return mechanism 6, and the ridge 7. A mechanism 5, 6, the ridge 7, or all the components 5, 6, 7 are attached and secured by any means to the plate 10.

The latter 10 extends in length, in a longitudinal direction L, between a first end 11, or rear end, and a second end 12, or front end.

The plate 10 extends transversely between a first edge 13 and a second edge 14, and in height from a bearing face 15 to a receiving face 16. Of course, the bearing face 15 is provided to come over the ski 3, while the home face 16 is provided to accommodate the shoe.

The longitudinal direction of the plate 10 merges with that of the ski, when it is secured to the ski. As a result, the guide edge 7 is oriented along the length of the ski, as well as the shoe.

In addition it is recalled that a single plate 10, carrying a single retaining device 4, is subject to the ski 3. This amounts to saying that only one shoe is retained on the ski 3.

Note that the width of the plate 10, measured between the edges 13, 14, is substantially equal to that of the ski 3. Of course the width may alternatively be different, for example slightly greater, or slightly lower, the difference being a few millimeters. In general, the width of a plate intended for the practice of cross-country skiing is between 30 and 50 mm.

As can be understood by using the figure 2 , the assembly 1 comprises a base 20 intended to be associated with the ski 3. In similarity to the plate 10, the base 20 extends in length in the longitudinal direction L, between a first end 21, or rear end, and a second end 22, or front end. The base 20 extends transversely between a first edge 23 and a second edge 24, and in height from a bearing face 25 to a receiving face 26. Of course, the bearing face 25 is provided to be secured to the ski 3, while the reception face 26 is provided to accommodate the plate 10.

To associate the base 20 to the ski 3 is provided a non-removable fastening means, such as gluing or welding. Again, the base 20 could form with the ski 3 a single piece. However, it may alternatively be provided a removable securing means, such as screwing, interlocking, or any equivalent.

To associate the plate 10 to the base 20, there is provided a removable fastening device. The latter comprises, according to the first embodiment, a longitudinal guiding means of the plate 10 relative to the base 20. The guiding means itself comprises a slide 30 formed on the plate 10, as well as a rail 31 arranged on the base 20. Of course the rail 31 is structured to cooperate with the slide 30.

In a non-limiting way, as we see better on the figure 3 , the slide 30 is defined transversely by two flanges 32, 33 facing each other. By corollary the rail 31 is delimited transversely by two wings 36, 37 in opposition with respect to each other.

It is noted that an opposite arrangement could have been provided. A slide could have been formed on the base 20, and a rail formed on the plate 10.

According to the invention, as can be seen in particular on the figure 2 , the plate 10 comprises a rear portion 51 and a front portion 52, a reversible locking means 53 joining to each other the rear portions 51 and 52 of the front plate. In fact the parts 51, 52 can be assembled or separated. This makes it possible to mount them alternately on the base 20. For example, the rear part 51 is slid on the rail 31, since the rear end 21 of the base 20 forward. In addition, the front portion 52 is slid over the rail 31, from the front end 22 towards the rear.

Of course the parts 51, 52 are moved towards one another until the locking is obtained, as will be seen in detail later. Since the parts 51, 52 are short, relative to the plate 10, it is easier to secure them to the base. Indeed, friction is reduced. In addition, a short portion is more likely to marry a slight curvature of the base 20, a curvature consecutive to its application on the top of the ski 3. Indeed, the latter 3 generally has a slight bulge at the implantation. of the base 20.

Because two parts 51, 52 compose the plate 10, the rear portion 51 extends in the longitudinal direction L from the rear end 11 to a junction end 54. By analogy the front portion 52 extends according to the same direction L from a junction end 55 to the front end 12. Of course the junction ends 54, 55 of the parts 51, 52 are vis-à-vis, when the plate 10 is mounted on the base 20.

In addition, it goes without saying that each portion 51, 52 extends transversely from the first edge 13 of the plate 10 to the second 14, and in height from the bearing face 15 to the receiving face 16.

It is also obvious that the slide 30 extends both along the rear portion 51 and along the front portion 52.

The locking means 53 is described in more detail below using the Figures 1, 2 and 4, 5.

In a non-limiting way, as we see on the figure 2 for the first embodiment described, the means 53 comprises a hook 56 provided to be reversibly housed in a notch 57. The hook 56 is for example fastened to the front portion 52. In this case the hook 56 comprises a body 58 which extends from the junction end 55 to a head 59. In fact the hook 56 protrudes from the rear of the front part 52. More precisely the hook 56 forms with the front part 52 a part monobloc, but it could have been reported by any known technique.

In a complementary manner, the rear part 51 delimits the notch 57 designed to receive the hook 56. More precisely, the notch 57 has a subdivision 60 intended to receive the body 58, as well as a subdivision 61 designed to receive the head 59. notch 57 opens at the level of the reception face 16.

It should be noted in passing that an opposite arrangement could have been foreseen. A hook could have been associated with the rear portion 51, and a notch formed in the front portion 52.

The placing of the parts 51, 52 is done as one understands in particular with the help of the Figures 4 and 5 . Of course the rear portion 51 is approached towards the rear end 21 of the base 20 in the longitudinal direction L, so that the slide 30 fits on the rail 31. By analogy the front portion is approached towards the front end 22 according to the direction longitudinal L, so that the slide 30 also fits on the rail 31. Then the parts 51, 52 are approached towards one another as shown in FIG. figure 4 . During the approaching hook 56 is reversibly elastically deformed, by the receiving face 16 of the rear portion 51. In fact the body 58 flexes and the head 59 is away from the base 20. Then when the ends of junction 54, 55 are sufficiently close to one another, as is the case with the figure 5 , the head 59 takes place in the subdivision 61 of the notch 57. At the same time the body 58 takes place in the subdivision 60. In other words the hook 56 is housed in the notch 57. There the hook 56 has its shape natural. As a result, the parts 51, 52 are held together in the longitudinal direction L.

One can also observe the joining of the parts 51, 52 to one another on the figure 1 . When the hook 56 is in place in the notch 57, the joining ends 54, 55 of the parts 51, 52 are juxtaposed. It follows that the bearing surfaces 15 and reception 16 have a continuous appearance at the junction ends 54, 55. Always at this level the guide edge 7 and the slide 30 also have a continuous appearance . This means that the transverse sections of these components 7, 30 are similar at the ends 54, 55, that is to say on the rear portion 51 and on the front portion 52. This ensures the guiding of the sole of the shoe on the plate 10.

In a complementary manner it is planned to be able to separate the rear portions 51 and front 52. For this purpose an opening means 62 allows unlocking of the locking means 53. This opening means 62 is presented, in a nonlimiting manner, under the shape of an open cavity formed in the hook 56. Here the cavity, also designated by the reference 62, is provided in the body 58. It is sufficient to introduce the end of a tool, such as that of a screwdriver. , then perform a maneuver to deform the hook 56 until the release of the head 59 outside the subdivision 61. Then a relative distance of the parts 51, 52 is sufficient to obtain their separation. To summarize, it can be said that the locking means 53 can be unlocked using a tool, that is to say a part outside the assembly 1.

However the opposite could be expected. It is possible to organize the unlocking without the help of a tool. For example the hook 56 could be associated with a gripping member, or the rear portion 51 could have a movable portion that would interrupt the retention of the head 59.

In any event, in order to complete the placement, an immobilizing means 70 is provided for immobilizing the plate 10 with respect to the base 20 in the longitudinal guide direction L. This means is described below. using figures 2 , 6 and 7 .

By way of nonlimiting example, the immobilizing means comprises a toothing 71 formed on the base 20. The toothing 71, located on the side of the receiving face 26, comprises a series of teeth 72 oriented transversely. The teeth here have a square or rectangular section. However, other forms might be suitable. The teeth 72 are spaced from each other, for example in a regular pitch. This can be between 4 and 8 mm.

In their length, that is to say in the transverse direction of the base 20, the teeth 72 are interrupted. This extends a longitudinal groove 73, made in the base 20 to provide some flexibility. This feature is useful for a better adaptation of the base 20 to the ski 3.

The immobilizing means 70 further comprises a latch 78 provided to cooperate with the toothing 71. The latch 78 is secured to the plate 10. For example, according to the first embodiment, the latch 78 is secured to the rear portion 51. However, it could alternatively be provided that the lock is associated with the front portion 52.

As an example, as we see clearly on the figure 6 , the latch 78 comprises an elastic blade 79 which extends to the rear of the plate 10 in the extension of the edge 7. The blade 79 carries a stop finger 80 at its free end. Of course, the finger 80 is oriented towards the bearing face of the plate 10. Thus the finger 80 is housed in the toothing 71 of the base 20. Preferably the thickness of the finger 80 is equal to the space between two teeth, which avoids unwanted play.

When the latch 78 is in a natural state, as is the case with the figure 6 , the blade 79 is parallel to the plate 10, and the finger 80 is between two teeth 72. This immobilizes the plate 10 relative to the base 20 in the longitudinal direction L. Of course, it is expected to be able to move longitudinally one to the other 20. To do this, simply actuate the latch 78 as explained below.

As shown in figure 7 a gripping member 81 is associated with the latch 78. This member comprises a first flange 82 and a second flange 83, which each extend the blade 79 in the transverse direction of the assembly 1. In other words, the flanges 82, 83 extend the lock 78 at the height of the finger 80. These wings 82, 83 allow to manually solicit the blade 79, in a direction away from the base 20. The blade 79 behaves like a spring: it 79 deforms elastically reversibly, when the finger 80 is separated from the toothing 71. Then it is possible to move the plate 10. The release of the wings 82, 83 allows the return of the blade 79 and the finger 80 in a locking position.

Note that the latch 78 forms with the rest of the rear portion 51 a single piece. This is to say that the blade 79, the finger 80, the wings 82, 83 and the rear portion 51 form a single piece. This may include for example a plastic material. However, alternatively, it could be provided that the latch 78 is attached to the plate 10, in whole or in part.

Finally it appears that the immobilizing means 70 can be operated by hand, that is to say without tools. Of course, it could alternatively be provided that the immobilizing means 70 can be actuated by means of a tool.

The second embodiment of the invention is presented hereinafter with the aid of the figure 8 . For the sake of convenience, it is intended to designate the elements common with the first form by the same references.

Thus for the second form there is a set 1 provided to be subject to a ski 3. The assembly comprises in particular a plate 10, a base 20, and a reversible locking means of the parts 51, 52 of the plate. The latter carries a retaining device 4 of a shoe, as well as a guide edge 7. The retaining device 4 comprises a locking mechanism 5 provided with a single attachment means of the shoe. This means comprises a single jaw 90, in the context of simplification of structure. We can also say that here the retainer 4 comprises a single jaw 90. This allows a low cost manufacturing.

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

In particular, the plate 10 and the base 20 may comprise plastics.

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

In particular other structures may be provided to achieve the reversible locking means of the parts 51, 52 of the plate.

Moreover, several guide edges may be provided on the reception face 16 of the plate 10. For example two edges arranged symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the plate. In the length, the edges can be continuous or segmented.

Claims (14)

Assembly (1) comprising a plate (10), a base (20), and a device for releasably securing the plate (10) relative to the base (20), the plate (10) being provided to be associated with a removable retainer (4) for a shoe, the base (20) being provided to be associated with a gliding board (3), the removable fastening device comprising a longitudinal guide means of the plate (10) relative to the base (20), and an immobilizing means (70) for immobilizing the plate (10) with respect to the base (20) in the longitudinal guide direction (L),
characterized in that the plate (10) comprises a rear portion (51) and a front portion (52), and in that a reversible locking means (53) secures the rear portions to each other (51) and before (52) of the plate (10). Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reversible locking means (53) comprises a hook (56) provided to be housed reversibly in a notch (57). Assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hook (56) is secured to the front portion (52), and in that the rear portion (51) defines the notch (57) provided to accommodate the hook (56). Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an opening means (62) which allows unlocking of the locking means (53). Assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening means (62) is in the form of an open cavity formed in the hook (56). Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the immobilizing means (70) comprises a toothing (71) formed on the base (20), and a latch (78) provided for cooperate with the toothing (71), the latch (78) being secured to the plate (10). Assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the latch (78) comprises an elastic blade (79) which extends to the rear of the plate (10), the blade (79) carrying a finger stop (80) at its free end, and in that the toothing (71) comprises a series of teeth (72) oriented transversely. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the immobilizing means (70) can be operated by hand without tools. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a gripping member (81) is associated with the latch (78). Assembly (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the lock (78) is secured to the rear portion (51). Assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the hook (56) forms with the front part (52) a single piece, and in that the latch (78) forms with the rest the rear portion (51) a one-piece piece. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the longitudinal guiding means, the plate (10) relative to the base (20), comprises a slide (30) provided on the platinum (10), and a rail (31) formed on the base (20). Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises the removable retaining device (4), which comprises a reversible locking mechanism (5) and an elastic return mechanism (6) . Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises the removable retaining device (4), which (4) comprises a single jaw (90).

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