EP2666382A1 - Crampon for shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The crampon (1) has a retaining element (21) structured and arranged to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. An elastic mechanism (22) is arranged to bias the retaining element toward the locking position. The elastic mechanism comprises a returning unit (23). The returning unit is structured and arranged to bias the retaining element toward the unlocking position as a shoe approaches the receiving surface, where the returning unit allows the retaining element to move back toward the locking position when the shoe is placed in the receiving surface.

Description

The invention relates to a crampon intended to be secured to a shoe. This crampon can be used in areas such as mountaineering, walking on snow or ice, climbing cascading ice, or other.

Traditionally, a crampon comprises a body which extends in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a first edge and a second edge, and in height between a bearing face and a receiving face. In fact, the body is sized so that the reception face receives the sole of the shoe. The crampon comprises protruding points at the support face, to anchor the ground and thus oppose slips. The crampon also includes a binding, that is to say a fastening system to the shoe in accordance with the standard NF EN 893: 2011-01. In general, the binding comprises one or more retaining members of the boot at the level of the receiving face.

For example, according to the document WO 2010/122595 , the retaining member of the boot is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, a resilient means biasing the retaining member to the locking position. In practice, a user manually urges the retaining member towards the unlocking position, against the action of the elastic means, to allow the introduction of the boot on the receiving face of the body. Then, the release of the retaining member allows the elastic means to push the retaining member to the locking position. If the shoe is in a running position, then the retainer retains it on the crampon.

The document WO 2010/122595 describes in fact a crampon for which the retaining member positively maintains the shoe, thanks to the action of the elastic means. The restraint is positive as opposed to an adherence restraint. More specifically here, the retaining member consists of a pair of fingers intended to be introduced into open cavities of the shoe. The fingers prevent the release of the shoe during use. The crampon according to this document is satisfactory in the sense that the restraint of the shoe is reliable. This means that the user is not likely to lose his crampon while walking or climbing, nor does he risk that the restraint will vary in accuracy when using the crampon. The impulses and supports related to walking, running, or climbing, as well as all sensory information, pass with great precision between the crampon and the shoe.

It appeared despite everything that, if the conditions of implementation of the crampon according to the document WO 2010/122595 are good, they could still be better. Indeed, the establishment of the crampon on the shoe is a delicate phase which has certain disadvantages.

First of all the user can sometimes end up in a delicate situation, in terms of safety, because he must either stoop or stand on one leg, by bringing the foot of the other leg towards the hand, to manipulate the retainer. In either case, he is not in a normal walking position, which in turn disturbs the balance and can be dangerous. This is the case for example if the crampon is set up while the user is on an edge, the edge of a crevasse, or other.

In addition to safety, it should be noted the difficulty of fitting, because the retainer is not very accessible at the time of setting up the crampon on the shoe. The difficulty of donning is even more important in an environment of powdery snow or deep snow, as it tends to cover the crampon and its retainer, and to plug the cavities of the shoe intended to accommodate the fingers of detention.

We also note the problem of the speed of footwear. It takes a long enough time, not negligible, to ensure that the retainer cooperates with the shoe to retain it on the crampon. This time is related to manipulations, as well as the need for the user to manage his position and / or balance. By corollary a too long period of footwear increases insecurity.

In relation to this, the general object of the invention is the improvement of a crampon intended to be secured to a shoe. More specifically, the invention seeks to optimize the safety of the user when donning the crampon. In particular, it is a question of reducing the risks of loss of balance in the phase of setting up the crampon.

Another object of the invention is to make footwear easier, even in an environment where snow or ice reliefs tend to cover the crampon.

Another object of the invention is to increase the speed of footwear, that is to say to reduce the time required to perform it.

To do this, the invention proposes a crampon comprising a body which extends in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a first edge and a second edge, and in height between a bearing face. and a receiving face, the spike comprising protruding tips at the bearing face and a first shoe retaining member at the receiving face, the first retaining member being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the crampon further comprising a resilient means for biasing the first retainer to the locking position.

The crampon according to the invention is characterized in that, on the side of the reception face, it comprises a return intended to cooperate with the shoe, the return biasing the first retaining member to the unlocking position when the shoe is approaching. the receiving face, the return leaving the first retaining member back to the locking position when the shoe is in place on the host face.

The return uses the movement of the boot towards the reception face to urge the locking member in an unlocking direction, against the action of the elastic means. It will be seen later that the solicitation can be direct or indirect. But each time the only action of the foot, via the leg, is enough to get the establishment of the crampon on the shoe. As a corollary, no manual action is necessary. The shoes are worn simply by pushing towards the receiving face, after a placement of the crampon flat side spikes on the ground. To wear the user can maintain a stable standing position, without having to bend or fold a leg to approach the foot to the hand. The user can therefore advantageously maintain his balance more easily, which preserves his safety.

We also observe that the boot is easier because the movements needed to perform it are simple and reduced to a minimum. In particular no manual operation is necessary to obtain the lock, as the crampon is placed on the ground.

It is still observed that the boot is fast, because the simplicity of this operation requires little time.

In general, the invention improves a crampon intended to be secured to a shoe.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'un crampon selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue arrière du crampon de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté d'un ensemble comprenant une chaussure et le crampon de la figure 1, dans un cas où la chaussure est approchée du crampon pour effectuer le chaussage,
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, dans un cas où le chaussage est effectué,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, montrant l'action de la chaussure sur le renvoi du crampon,
• la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 1, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, pour la deuxième forme de réalisation, avec une coupe partielle indiquée par VII-VII sur la figure 6.

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 may be implemented, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a front perspective view of a spike according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a rear view of the crampon of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a side view of a set comprising a shoe and the crampon of the figure 1 , in a case where the shoe is approached from the crampon to effect the boot,
• the figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 3 in a case where the boot is made,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 3 , showing the action of the shoe on the crampon return,
• the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 3 , for the second embodiment, with a partial section indicated by VII-VII on the figure 6 .

The first embodiment that will be described after concerns crampons for mountaineering, walking on snow or ice and ice climbing cascade. However, the invention applies to other fields in which the use of such crampons is required.

The first form is described below using the Figures 1 to 5 .

As shown in figure 1 a crampon 1, provided as will be seen later to accommodate a shoe 2, comprises in known manner a body 3 which extends in length from a rear end 4 to a front end 5, in width between a first edge 6 and a second edge 7, and in height between a bearing face 8 and a receiving face 9. The bearing face 8 is provided to come facing the ground, while the receiving face 9 is intended to receive the sole of the shoe 2.

Without limitation, the length of the crampon 1 can be adjusted. This makes it suitable for shoes with sizes, that is to say different lengths. For this purpose the body 3 comprises a rear plate 10 and a front plate 11, as well as a bridge 12 which connects the rear plates 10 and 11 to each other. A first link 13 connects one to the other. the other, the rear plate 10 and the bridge 12, and a second link 14 connects the front plate 11 and the bridge 12 to each other. The bridge 12 has a series of holes 15, and each link is constituted, for example by the combination of a screw and a nut, to pass into a hole 15 of the bridge and into a non-referenced hole of a plate.

Of course, other structures may be provided for making the links 13, 14.

The spike comprises projections 20 protruding at the bearing face 8. More precisely here the rear plate 10 carries spikes 20, for example four, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the bearing face. In the same spirit the front plate 11 carries spikes 20, for example eight, six of which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the bearing face 8, and two of which are oriented obliquely and forward, in extension of the front plate 11. If all the tips 20 allow a grip in the snow or ice on a horizontal or inclined ground, the two points facing forward allow a grip in a vertical wall or very inclined. In the end the crampon 1 is very versatile as to its grip. It is specified however that other arrangements can be provided.

The crampon 1 also comprises a first retaining member 21 of the boot 2 at the receiving face 9. The retaining member 21 will be described in more detail later, but it can already be stated that it is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.

The crampon 1 further comprises an elastic means 22 provided to bias the retaining member 21 towards the locking position. The elastic means 22 will also be described later.

According to the invention, on the side of the reception face 9 the crampon 1 comprises a return 23, intended to cooperate with the boot 2, the return 23 urging the first retainer 21 to the unlocking position when the shoe 2 approaches 9, the return 23 leaving the first retaining member 21 to return to the locking position when the shoe is in place on the reception face 9. The return 23 receives energy provided by the shoe in its approach of the crampon to put on. A significant portion of this energy is transmitted to the locking member to bring it into the unlocking position, which allows to put on by the sole action of the leg. In other words no manual action is necessary to put on. As a result, the crampon 1 of the invention improves the safety of the user, because it does not need to take an unstable position to put on. We have seen that such a position, necessary with a cleat according to the prior art, is to bend towards the ground, which can be dangerous at the edge of a crevice or along a ridge, or to bend one leg and balance on the other. The boot with the crampon 1 according to the invention is also easy and fast.

According to the first embodiment of the invention and in a nonlimiting manner, as is observed on the Figures 1 to 5 , the resilient means 22 comprises a blade, the retaining member 21 comprises a tab, and the blade 22 and the tab 21 are secured to one another. In a nonlimiting manner, the tab 21 is formed by folding of the free end of the blade 22.

Here, more specifically, the elastic means 22 is constituted by the blade 22, which is curved and secured to the body 3, that is to say to the rear plate 10, by a fastening means shown in the form of rivets 24 But this means can consist of screws, hooking claws, or any equivalent. The blade 22 is a spring which urges the tab 21 towards a locking position, which is obtained when the tab 21 holds the boot 2 on the crampon 1. The retaining means 21, in turn, consists of the tab 21. Together the blade and the leg have a simple structure, easy to manufacture.

For example, the elastic means 22 and the retaining member 21 form a single piece. In this case the tab 21 is the folded free end of this piece, while the blade in the form of the seat which connects it to the body 3. This simplifies to the maximum the piece formed by the association of the elastic means 22 with the retainer 21.

Without limitation, the blade 22 is made of steel, and it has a thickness of between 0.5 and 2.5 mm. By corollary, the lug 21 is also made of steel, its thickness being also between 0.5 and 2.5 mm. This allows them to be easily manufactured, with the usual tools for a person skilled in the art. However, it is possible alternatively to provide other metals or other materials of manufacture, including synthetic materials with or without glass fibers, carbon, or other.

It is observed that for the first embodiment of the invention, the elastic means 22 and the retaining member 21 are located at the rear end 4 of the crampon 1. This allows, as will be explained later, to retain the rear end 25 of the shoe 2. It may alternatively be provided to arrange the elastic means and the retaining member elsewhere on the crampon 1, for example at the front end 5.

The return 23 is also located at the rear end 4, because it 23 is constituted by an inclined surface 26 of the retaining member 21. The return 23 is defined by the folded tab 21. This amounts to saying more concretely that the lug 21 has a face which defines the return 23. It follows that the structure of the crampon 1 is very simple, in particular by the fact that here the elastic means 22, the retaining member 21 and the return 23 form a single piece. Or again the blade 22, the lug 21 and the return 23 form a single piece.

For example, it is provided that the inclined surface 26 of the return 23 forms with the body 3 an angle α of between 45 and 85 °, knowing that angle values between 55 and 80 ° have given good results.

To complete the description of the crampon 1 it is specified that it also comprises a second retaining member 27, formed by way of non-limiting example by a stirrup. Because the first retaining member 21 is located at the rear, the second retaining member 27 is located at the front end 5. However, it is possible to alternatively provide a reverse situation, for which the first retaining member 21 is at the front while the second retaining member 27 is at the rear. Anyway the role of the second organ will be explained later.

The crampon 1 further comprises a link 28 located at the rear end 4. This link 28 is for example constituted by a strap intended to surround a subdivision of the shoe 2, for the sake of safety. The strap 28 forms a loop that can be opened or closed, and also be adjusted in length, to form a restraint system within the meaning of NF EN 893: 2011-01.

It is now easy to explain the fitting operation, especially with the help of Figures 3 to 5 . Note that the shoe 2 is structured to cooperate with each of the first 21 and second 27 retaining members. The shoe 2 comprises a sole 31 and a rod 32. Without limitation the sole 31 protrudes rearward at the rear end 25 of the shoe. In the same spirit the sole 31 protrudes forward at the front end 33 of the shoe. Each projection of the sole defines a bearing surface for a retaining member 21, 27. It could alternatively be provided with other means for cooperating with the crampon 1.

At the beginning of the boot, as is the case on the figure 3 , the user places the shoe 2 above the reception face 9, first cooperating the front of the shoe with the second retaining member 27. Here the front projection of the sole 31 is engaged with the stirrup 27. In this initial phase of the boot the front end 33 of the boot is supported on the body 3, that is to say in fact on the front plate 11. Then the user presses with the heel towards the body 3 to bring the rear end 25 of the boot bearing on the body 3, in fact on the rear plate 10, as is the case on the figure 4 . We are in the final phase of the boot because the back of the shoe 2 is retained on the crampon 1 by the first retaining member 21. In total, the front and the rear of the boot are retained on the body 3 of the boot. crampon 1 by the second 27 and first 21 retainers respectively.

What allowed the donnage by the action of the leg is the action of the return 23 in conjunction with the elastic means 22, as can be seen on the figure 5 . In fact the sole 31 presses on the return 23 and, in doing so, urges it back against the action of the elastic means 22. Here the reference 23 pushes back the retaining member or leg 21, at the same time as it causes the reversible elastic deformation of the elastic means 22. The deformation lasts the time of the boot, which corresponds to the passage of the soleing from one side to the other of the leg 21, in a direction of approximation of the body 3. It is understands easily, the boot is simple, easy and fast. Simply lay the crampon flat on the ground, then engage the front of the shoe before pressing with the heel. In addition, in the spirit of NF EN 893: 2011-01, the strap 28 is tightened around the shoe 2 to provide a second level of restraint. This situation, well known to those skilled in the art, is not shown in the figures.

The heaving, meanwhile, is obtained by releasing the strap and manual release of the first retainer 21.

The second embodiment of the invention is presented hereinafter with the help of Figures 6 and 7 . For the sake of convenience, the elements common with the first form are designated by the same references. So it's mostly the differences that are highlighted.

Thus, for the second form, there is a spike 1. What is specific here is that the body 3 comprises a rear plate 10 and a front plate 11, and that the elastic means 42 connects one to the other. other the rear plates 10 and 11 before 11. Compared to the previous embodiment, it can be said that here the resilient means 42 replaces the bridge 12 between the plates 10, 11. It will be better understood then that when donning the plates 10 , 11 move away from each other to get closer, these movements being caused by the action of the return 23 in combination with the action of the elastic means 42.

By way of non-limiting example, the resilient means 42 comprises a guide 43 secured to one of the rear plates 10 and before 11, a rod 44 secured to the other of the rear plates 10 and 11 before, and a body elastic 45 which urges the rear plates 10 and before 11 in a direction of approach towards one another. The guide 43 and the rod 44 allow the crampon 1 and the body 3 to deform in length reversibly against the action of the member 45.

As is understood in particular by using the figure 7 , the guide 43 is a sheath, the rod 44 takes place in the sheath, and the elastic member 45 is a spring. The latter is made in the form of a helical winding, but other structures could be suitable.

More concretely it is observed that the sleeve 43 is secured to the front plate 11 by a screw-nut connection 46, and that the rod 44 is secured to the rear plate 10 by a screw-nut connection 47. The rod 44 has a shoulder 48 housed in the sheath 43, and the spring 45 acts in the sheath to push the shoulder 48 to the front plate 11. As a result, the rear plates 10 and before 11 are urged towards each other elastically.

Note also that, for the second embodiment of the invention, the first retaining member 51 is a hook. This has the advantage of being easy to manufacture. Indeed, the hook 51 consists of a folded plate. More precisely, the hook is an extension of the body 3. In a nonlimiting manner, the hook 51 forms with the back plate 10 a single piece.

The return 53 is constituted by an inclined surface 56 of the retaining member or hook 51. This gives a simplicity of structure to the assembly formed by the retaining member 51 and the return gear 53.

Again the inclined surface 56 of the reference 53 forms with the body 3 an angle α between 45 and 85 °, knowing that good results have been obtained for angle values between 55 and 80 °.

In addition it is observed that, without limitation, the first retaining member 51 is located at the rear end 4. This allows, as for the first embodiment, to retain the back of the shoe.

The boot is performed as for the first embodiment of the invention: the front 33 of the shoe is placed at the second retaining member 27, and then the rear end 25 is lowered by pressing the 53 at the level of the hook 51. The rear plates 10 and 11 before moving away from each other, in the direction of the length of the crampon 1 during the boot. Indeed the hook is rigid, that is to say substantially indeformable, and therefore transmits the action of the boot on the return 53 to the rear plate 10. When the boot is made, the retainer occupies a position lock, against the shoe, and the plates 10, 11 are brought closer to each other.

In all cases the invention is made from materials and according to processing 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, other structures may be provided for the retaining members.

For example, it can be provided that the return and the retaining member are two separate elements, connected to other parts of the crampon by a fixed connection, or by a joint associated with an elastic means.

Claims (18)

Crampon (1) comprising a body (3) extending in length from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), in width between a first edge (6) and a second edge (7), and in height between a support face (8) and a reception face (9), the crampon (1) comprising projections (20) projecting at the bearing face (8) and a first retaining member (21, 51) of a boot (2) at the receiving face (9), the first retaining member (21, 51) being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position the crampon (1) further comprising resilient means (22, 42) for biasing the first retaining member (21, 51) towards the locking position,
characterized in that , on the side of the reception face (9), it comprises a return (23, 53) intended to cooperate with the shoe (2), the return (23, 53) urging the first retaining member (21, 51) towards the unlocking position when the shoe (2) approaches the receiving face (9), the return (23, 53) leaving the first retaining member (21, 51) back to the position of locking when the boot (2) is in place on the host face (9). Crampon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic means (22) comprises a blade, the first retaining member (21) comprises a tab, and in that the blade (22) and the leg (21) are secured to one another. Crampon (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic means (22) and the first retaining member (21) form a single piece. Cleat (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the blade (22) is made of steel, and has a thickness of between 0.5 and 2.5 mm. Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic means (22) and the first retaining member (21) are located at the rear end (4). Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reference (23) is constituted by an inclined surface (26) of the first retaining member (21). Crampon (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the inclined surface (26) of the return (23) forms with the body (3) an angle (α) between 45 and 85 °. Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the body (3) comprises a rear plate (10) and a front plate (11), and a bridge (12) which connects the one to the other the rear plates (10) and front (11). Crampon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (3) comprises a rear plate (10) and a front plate (11), and in that the elastic means (42) connects one to the other the rear plates (10) and front (11). Crampon (1) according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that the elastic means (42) comprises a guide (43) secured to one of the rear plates (10) and before (11), a rod (44) secured to the other of the rear plates (10) and front (11), and an elastic member (45) which urges the rear plates (10) and front (11) in a direction of approaching one towards the other. Cleat (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide (43) is a sleeve, that the rod (44) takes place in the sheath, and that the elastic member (45) is a spring. Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 or 9 to 11, characterized in that the first retaining member (51) is a hook. Cleat (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the hook (51) consists of a folded plate. Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 or 9 to 13, characterized in that the reference (53) is constituted by an inclined surface (56) of the retaining member (51). Cleat (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the inclined surface (56) of the return (53) forms with the body (3) an angle between 45 and 85 °. Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 or 9 to 15, characterized in that the first retaining member (51) is located at the rear end (4). Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a second retaining member (27) located at the front end (5). Crampon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a link (28) located at the rear end (4).

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