EP2602009A1 - Structural element of a board for snow gliding and snow gliding board including such an element - Google Patents

Abstract

The snow gliding board is integrated with a structural element (1) which is incorporated in a raised end. The structural element is provided with several hollowed through openings (10) between the upper and lower surfaces. The raised end of the structural element is provided at regions (15,16) free of through openings. The width of region is greater than the shortest distance between two through openings in the areas (6-8) separated by region. The width of region free of through openings is greater than 8 mm.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of snow sliding sports, and relates in particular to skis or snowboards. It is more particularly a structural element for making boards whose front and / or rear ends have a capacity to be cut and can be designed for a lightening purpose, or be partially translucent.

Previous techniques

In general, there is a tendency to manufacture gliding boards whose outer appearance is clearly distinguishable from the competing boards, for example by ensuring aesthetic effects related to the ability of certain areas of the board to let the light, and in general to be more or less translucent.

Various solutions have already been proposed and in particular those described in the patent EP 0 706 411 which consists of making a ski from elements forming longitudinal boxes, made of transparent material. However, the mechanical properties of such boards are directly dependent on the thickness of the walls of the various boxes, and for a high degree of transparency, it is conceivable that the mechanical strength may not be sufficient.

Another example of this trend is illustrated by the paper US 2010/0187795 . The ski described in this document has a highly translucent spatula. At the spatula, the central structure of the board is hollowed out by an opening made in the core, or in a part incorporated in the board, in front of the core.

At this level, the board is of lesser thickness, and therefore has only its upper assembly and its sole, which are advantageously made of transparent material.

A disadvantage of this type of structure is that it generates stretching of the upper assembly near the boundaries of the recess, stretching which can degrade the aesthetic appearance, or may require the use of particular materials.

Note especially that in this spatula, the structure of the board is greatly reduced which makes the latter more fragile.

Another trend observed is that of looking for boards of glide that can be personalized at the level of their scenery or even at the level of their forms. Thus, some users want to be able to change the shape of the ends of their skis, at the heel or the spatula, making custom cuts.

Presentation of the invention

One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to allow the realization of gliding boards that are original at their ends by an ability to be cut to adopt custom shapes. In addition, another objective is to obtain a lightened structure, or a certain degree of transparency of the structure.

To do this, the invention therefore relates to a gliding board incorporating a structural element incorporated in a raised end of a gliding board, this element having a plurality of through openings recessed between its upper and lower faces, distributed over the surface of this structural element.

According to the invention, this element comprises at least one region free of through openings, this region separating two zones having through apertures, the width of this region being greater than the smallest distance between two through apertures in the zones separated by this characteristic region.

In other words, the invention consists in producing an element that will be integrated into the structure of the ski and that has holes drilled from one side to the other and therefore empty, thus conferring a certain lightening or even a certain degree of transparency at the end of the ski. ski concerned. This element has characteristic passageways that extend between distinct points of the periphery of the board, so as to allow the making of cuts between two separate points around the edge of the board, according to the wishes of the user.

These characteristic regions have a width sufficient to be easily identified by the user who wishes to make the cut, since the ends of the board are less translucent in these characteristic areas.

In practice, the smallest distance between two through-openings is defined, within the zones located on either side of the region forming the cutting path, as being the smallest distance separating any two openings in the zones in question. In other words, because of this geometric configuration, the user can make the cuts, without fear of cutting a through opening, with the subsequent risk of forming a cavity in which could accumulate the snow, with a danger of delamination of the structure of the board at this level. In the case where the end is translucent through the use of translucent layers on either side of the embedded element, the user can easily visualize the area in which he can perform the cut.

In practice, the structural element may comprise one or more characteristic regions, with locations and geometries that can be defined in a very varied manner, to allow to multiply the possibilities of cutting.

In practice, in order to make the characteristic regions clearly identifiable on the board, and to limit the risks of cutting a through opening, the minimum width of the characteristic regions must be greater than 8 millimeters, preferably around 15 mm.

In practice, one can observe several different types of geometry of the regions separating the through-opening zones, depending on whether the incorporated element is intended to equip the spatula or heel of the board.

Thus, in the case where the incorporated element is provided for an implementation in the spatula, the regions free of through aperture may have a substantially arcuate geometry, curvature oriented in the same direction as that of its border before. In other words, the regions where the cuts will be made have a geometry similar to the end of the board, so as to create after cutting a rounded spatula shorter. In practice, the through-aperture-free regions thus extend between two opposite edges of the embedded element.

In an alternative embodiment, the region or regions free of through aperture may define an inverted V shape, extending to near the front edge of the element, to allow cutting tip of the spatula.

In the particular case intended for incorporation into a plank heel, the regions free of through aperture may have a substantially rectilinear geometry, oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element and the board, and which extends to the rear edge of the embedded element.

In other words, the geometry of the incorporated elements allows cutting to form V-shaped cuts or swallow tail. In the particular case of the heel, this first form of region can be combined also with other regions in the form of arcs of a circle, making it possible to make cuts intended to reduce the length of the heel.

It is appreciated in some cases a weight gain of the end incorporating the characteristic element, which combines with the presence of the associated degree of transparency. In practice, the degree of transparency and the mass gain are sensitive when the degree of openwork in the zones having the through openings is greater than 30% or even 50%. By degree of opening means the ratio of the total area of the openings divided by the area of the area in which the openings are present, thus excluding the characteristic areas free from opening, as well as the periphery of the element incorporated.

The invention also relates to a gliding board which incorporates the structural element described above, and wherein the layers above and below this incorporated element are preferably translucent. It may be, in particular, the upper assembly integrating the reinforcements and the protective and decorative elements, but also the sole and any associated reinforcements, it being understood that in the ends, it is not always necessary to use reinforcing elements. In practice, the embedded element extends from an area beyond the front or rear contact line, and to the extreme forward or backward point of the board, or below this extreme point.

Advantageously in practice, and in particular when the layers covering the characteristic incorporated element are not translucent, the gliding board may comprise a visual or tactile mark in line with the regions free of through openings of the structural element, in order to facilitate the identification of the areas in which the cuts will have to be made.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un élément incorporé selon un premier mode de réalisation, destiné plus particulièrement à l'emploi dans une spatule.
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus d'un élément incorporé selon un second mode de réalisation, destiné plus particulièrement à l'emploi dans un talon,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un élément incorporé selon un troisième mode de réalisation, destiné plus particulièrement à l'emploi dans une spatule.
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus d'un ski intégrant les deux éléments des figures 1 et 2.
• les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en perspective sommaire montrant les extrémités de planches de glisse en vue éclatée, respectivement en spatule et en talon, avec séparation des différents éléments qui la composent.

The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which flow from it will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a top view of an element incorporated according to a first embodiment, intended more particularly for use in a spatula.
• the figure 2 is a top view of an element incorporated according to a second embodiment, intended more particularly for use in a heel,
• the figure 3 is a top view of an element incorporated according to a third embodiment, intended more particularly for use in a spatula.
• the figure 4 is a top view of a ski incorporating the two elements of Figures 1 and 2 .
• the figures 5 and 6 are views in perspective summary showing the ends of sliding boards in exploded view, respectively spatula and heel, with separation of the various elements that compose it.

Ways to realize the invention

The embedded element 1 illustrated in figure 1 has an elongated general geometry, with a front end 2 which has the general shape of the end of the board. Thus, the two side edges 3, 4 can be flush and open laterally of the board in the case of a construction type "sandwich". This incorporated element may also not open laterally, but be bordered by a complementary body, forming the edge of the board. This incorporated element 1 can also be used in the case of a "shell" structure in which case it has dimensions slightly smaller than those of the finished board.

In the illustrated form, the rear portion 9 of the embedded element 1 has a geometry that allows it to receive the front end of the core, ensuring a continuity of thickness.

In the illustrated form of the figure 1 incorporated element 1 comprises three zones 6, 7, 8 having through openings 10. These through openings have a hexagonal shape, defining the portions of material between them. Of course, other shapes, square, circular or other, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The number of openings can be adapted according to the geometry, and in particular the size of the zones. The location of the cutting area will be facilitated if the opening number is greater than or equal to three. The embedded element may be made of a plastic material such as ABS, which may be a colored opaque material, or partially translucent, obtained for example by plastic injection. The incorporated element can be made of several assembled parts, possibly made from different materials, or different colors. As a variant, the embedded perforated element may have a reduced thickness, and for example be formed of an aluminum foil in particular, and be associated with a solid layer.

In the illustrated form, the width of the zones 11, measured between two parallel faces of two opposite hexes is of the order of a few millimeters. These three zones 6, 7, 8 are surrounded by a solid peripheral zone 14 which extends on both sides 3, 4, the front end 2 and the rear part 9 of the incorporated element.

According to a feature of the invention, this incorporated element comprises two regions 15, 16, which are free of through openings, and which define a preferred path for cutouts of the spatula. These regions 15, 16 have a width L which is greater than the minimum width, separating the openings 10 inside the different perforated zones 6, 7, 8. This width L can go from three times said minimum width, up to About 10 to 15 millimeters. Thanks to these dimensions, it is easy for the user to distinguish the cutting area with respect to the through recesses.

The shape of these characteristic regions 15, 16 slightly in an arc, is provided to allow the cutting of the ski by reforming a shorter spatula, but having a curvature similar to that of the front edge 2 of the incorporated. These characteristic regions 15, 16 extend from one edge to the other 3, 4 of the incorporated to allow the cutting of this element 1 without reaching through aperture. It is indeed better to avoid creating housing in which could accumulate snow or water, with risks of infiltration between the various layers forming the structure of the board. It is thus advantageous to cut the board and thus the incorporated element in a solid area, to maintain a tightness of the board after cutting.

The embedded element 21 illustrated in figure 2 is more particularly intended to be integrated in the heel portion of the board. It has, in the illustrated form, six perforated zones 26-31. The through openings have approximate shapes of quadrilaterals to increase the degree of opening or of ajourement by limiting the volume of material used to achieve separations 32 between through openings. In the form illustrated in figure 2 , the element 21 comprises a region 40 without through aperture, which has a geometry substantially similar to that of the equivalent regions used for the incorporated element of the spatula zone of the figure 1 , with a shape in an arc. The element 21 also comprises two zones 41, 42 with no through opening, of rectilinear geometry, and arranged symmetrically with an angle of inclination, with respect to the axis of symmetry 43 of the element 21. These regions 41, 42 extend around the two perforated zones 27, 30, to define a recess trapezoidal or triangular shape at the heel.

The figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of incorporated element 80 which has four through aperture zones. A first zone 84 is disposed symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal axis, in the region located on the side of the center of the board. This zone is analogous to zone 8 of element 1 of the figure 1 . This zone 84 extends forward to a region 90 free of opening, allowing cutting of the spatula in a circular arc offset rearwardly relative to the periphery of the board before cutting. Further forward, the embedded element 80 has three through aperture areas. Two zones 81, 82 are arranged laterally, outside two zones 91, 92 which are free of through-openings, oriented toward the furthest point of the board. These two areas 91.92 allow cutting the spatula to give the latter a sharper shape than that of the board before cutting. Between these cutting zones 91, 92, there is another zone 83 of through openings, of generally triangular shape. This zone 83 is delimited at the rear by the cutting zone 90. In the particular form illustrated, the rear of the perforated zone 83 comprises an outgrowth 93 of the cutting zone 90 situated on the longitudinal axis. This protrusion 93 defines a region of sufficient size to allow the drilling of a hole as practiced on touring skis.

The figure 4 shows the different possibilities of cutting with a board integrating the two elements 1, 21 of Figures 1 and 2 . Thus, the board 50 may, at its spatula zone 51 be cut along the dotted lines 52, 53 of the incorporated element, which stops at the level of the solid line 54. In the same way, at the level of the heel area 55, different cuts can be made to line with the dotted line 57 to form a form of swallow tail, which may be of smaller magnitude if the cuts are made according to the dotted lines 59 and the transverse portion 58 . in the same way as the spatula zone, the dotted line circular arc 56 can reduce the length of the heel.

The embedded element described in figure 1 can be integrated into a gliding board structure in different ways, particularly as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 where the embedded element extends in the continuity of the core. In this case, and from the lower surface, the structure comprises a soleplate 100, composed of a main element forming the sliding sole 101 and a sole element 102 which is advantageously translucent to take advantage of the capacity of the sole. incorporated element to let the light through. This sole 100 laterally receives the edges 103, 104 and a reinforcing element 105. Above the reinforcing element 105 are arranged the edges 106, 107 at the edge of the core 108 whose front cutout 109 receives the rear edge 110 of the incorporated element 111. In the illustrated form, the incorporated element 111 extends to the end of the board, but it could be interrupted before. As an indication, depending on the geometry of the board and in particular the shape of the spatula survey, the incorporated element may have a length of about 70 and 400 mm.

This stack is covered with a reinforcing element 112 and a top layer of decoration and protection 113. This last layer 113 may advantageously have marks 114, 115 located in line with the regions 124, 125 without through opening of the incorporated element 111, useful in the case where the entire end is not translucent, to guide the user as accurately as possible during cutting. These marks can be made by printing, or by hollow or raised areas.

Note that if reinforcing elements 112 based on a fiber material impregnated with a resin that flows during molding operations are used, it is possible that part of this resin partially penetrates the characteristic through-openings. , but without filling them.

Preferably, the reinforcing elements 105, 112 and the upper decorative layer 113, as well as the front part of the soleplate 102 are in a translucent or even transparent material, so as to let some of the light passing through the incorporated element 111.

Of course, many variations on the construction of the board with respect to the number of layers used, types of reinforcement and their positioning can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. So, in the same way, as illustrated in figure 6 , the rear part of the board may consist of the sole 200 which has behind the slide shoe itself 201, a portion 202 translucent. The edges 203 and 204 rest on the edges of the sole, and are covered with the reinforcing layer 205. The latter receives the edges 206, 207 which border the rear end of the core 208 whose contour 209 fits into the cutout 210 made in the incorporated element 211. A reinforcement 212, preferably translucent, covers the core and incorporated 211 and in turn receives the upper protective layer 213, also translucent, on which the marks 214, 215 were made to the Placing zones 224, 225, 226 free of through opening in the incorporated element 211. In the same way, multiple construction and geometry variants can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

It follows from the foregoing that the use of the incorporated element according to the invention allows for boards that have both an attractive aesthetic appearance, because translucent at the tips spatula and heel, while allowing customization of the form by cuts that can be made without risk of degrading the structure of the board, even when it is performed by a user equipped with rudimentary tools. It also provides lighter ends with the same custom cutting capabilities.

Claims (10)

A snow sliding board incorporating a structural member (1) incorporated in a raised end of said gliding board, said member having a plurality of recessed through apertures (10) between its top and bottom faces distributed over its surface, characterized in that said element comprises in said raised end at least one region (15, 16) with no through-opening, separating two zones (6, 7, 8) having through apertures, the width (L) of said region ( 15, 16) being greater than the smallest distance between two through apertures in the separated areas (6, 7, 8) by said region. Gliding board according to claim 1 wherein the width (L) of said region is greater than 8 mm. Gliding board according to claim 1 wherein the region or regions (15, 16) free of through opening have a substantially arcuate geometry, curvature oriented in the same direction as that of its front edge (2). Gliding board according to claim 1 wherein the region or regions free of through opening extend between two opposite edges (3, 4) of said element. Gliding board according to claim 1 wherein the region or regions (41, 42) free of through opening have a substantially straight geometry, oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element, and extending to the rear edge (22) of said element. A gliding board according to claim 1 wherein the at least one aperture-free region (91, 92) defines an inverted V shape and extends to near the front edge of said member. Gliding board according to claim 1, in which, in the zones having through apertures, the degree of openwork is greater than 30% Gliding board according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the layers (112, 113, 102, 105, 212, 213, 202, 205) present above and below said structural member are translucent. Gliding board according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a mark (115, 215) visual or tactile above the regions free of through opening of the structural element. Gliding board according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the incorporated element extends from a point beyond the line of contact front or rear, and up to the front or rear end of the board.

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