Fastening device for a boot or a shoe on a sporting good

The invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a boot on a vehicle sport.

Such devices are used for surfing on snow or snowboarding, skiing snow or water, snowshoeing, skating of, or otherwise.

Some devices according to the prior art include a seat, provided to receive the sole of the foot or the sole of the boot, and a rear support element provided to support the lower leg of a user. The rear support has a support face element opposite to a free face, the bearing face receiving the lower leg.

The seat is associated with the rear support element as follows. Firstly the seat extends length of a rear end to a front end. The rear support element meanwhile has a fastening end opposite to a free end, a hinge axis substantially transverse connecting the fastening end to the seat. The rear support element therefore mounted rotatable relative to the seat. The joint reduces congestion device for storage, by tilting the rear support member forwardly.

A stop is provided for limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support element. The stop is adjustable, to adapt the device to the user. As such the stop comprises a cursor movable along the rear support element, and a securing means cursor on the rear support element. Just act upon the immobilization means for able to adjust the cursor position, and therefore the angular position of the support element rear relative to the seat.

Usually the cursor and the immobilization means are located on the side of the free face of the rear support element, so that the cursor position can be adjusted both when the shoe is in or outside the device. An adjustment is possible because the immobilization means is directly accessible. This is a characteristic use of the device.

In the case of snowboarding it is notably possible to adjust the angular position of the rear support member relative to the frame without shoes off.

However it appeared that, under certain circumstances, adjustment of the position of cursor is difficult. This can occur when foreign bodies impede the movement or immobilizing the cursor along the rear support element.

For example snowboard snow or ice, sometimes an obstacle to movement or cursor asset. The latter generally has a tooth intended to cooperate with a toothing of the rear support element. If snow or ice lodges in the teeth cursor movement becomes difficult or impossible in some extreme cases. It is the same for immobilization as taking teeth is not made, or at least not correctly. The user must clean his device, which is often long and cumbersome.

The invention aims in particular to facilitate the cursor along the rear support element, or its capital.

To this end the invention provides a device for receiving a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device comprising a seat associated with a rear support element, the rear support member having a support surface opposite to a free face, the element highback being mounted rotatable relative to the seat, an abutment limiting a rotation to the rear of the rear support element, the abutment having a cursor movable along the rear support member and a cursor of the securing means on the supporting element back.

The reception device according to the invention is characterized in that a wall covering the Slider toward the free surface, the immobilizing means extending through the wall.

The wall greatly limits or even completely the arrival of foreign bodies at the cursor. Simultaneously, the immobilizing means is accessible to the user. So the inclination of the rear support element can be done easily. The absence of foreign bodies avoids cleaning. A resulting advantage is the time savings. Another advantage is the ease of use of the device, with respect to the element of the tilt adjustment rear support.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood using the description which follows, in reference to the annexed drawings showing, according to one embodiment not limited to, how the invention can be carried out, and wherein:<ul><li>Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a docking device in the form of embodiment of the invention,</li><li>Figure 2 is a partial view of the device similar to Figure 1,</li><li>Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 1,</li><li>Figure 4 is a rear view of the device of Figure 1,</li><li>Figure 5 is a partial front view of the device of Figure 1,</li><li>Figure 6 is a sectional view along VI-VI of Figure 4.</li></ul>

Although the embodiment described hereinafter relates rather to the field of snowboard, it should be including that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

The embodiment is presented using figures 1-6.

As seen in Figure 1 in perspective, a host device 1 allows the reception Temporary 2 on a board of a not shown shoe.

In known manner the host device 1 comprises a seat 3 which extends lengthwise between a rear end 4 and a front end 5, and in width from a first edge to a 6 second edge 7.

The seat 3 has an upper surface 8 intended to be facing the sole of the shoe, and a bottom side 9 designed to be above the board 2.

The seat 3 preferably comprises a base 10 covered with a cushion 11. The base 10 is a rigid piece which delimits at least partly the bottom face 9. The cushion 11 about it delimits at least partly the upper surface 8. According to the embodiment described, the cushion 11 extends from the rear end 4 to the leading end 5 of the seat 3. This allows a contacting cushioning with the entire surface of the sole of the shoe. A rear portion 12 and a front portion 13 of the cushion 11 define a housing space 14 for the base 10.

Of course there may be provided other structures to the seat 3, such as a base associated with two cushions, one to the rear and the other at the front.

The seat 3 is retained to the board 2 by a means formed as a disc, itself retained to the board 2 by screws.

Of course, other means for holding the seat 3 may be provided.

The seat 3 is bordered laterally by a first part represented as a first flange 20 and by a second part represented as a second flange 21. In this case the flange 20 is first side and the second 21 is medial, but it could have been otherwise. The flanges 20, 21 delimit a reception area 22 of the shoe. When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 20, 21 along the sole laterally. Of course it could be something else planned that flanges 20, 21 to form the lateral and medial sides. Such stops could suit.

Preferably, the base 10 and the flanges 20, 21 form a single piece made by example in plastic material. However it could be expected that the flanges 20, 21 parts are affixed to the base by any means, such as gluing, welding, screwing, interlocking, or otherwise.

There is also provided two links for removably retaining the boot on seat 3 between the flanges 20, 21, in the reception area 22.

A first link 23 is located toward the front, at the metatarsophalangeal joint when the foot is maintained. A second link 24 is located toward the rear, in the neck of the foot when the foot is maintained.

Each link 23, 24 extends transversely between the flanges 20, 21.

Of course it could be provided a number of different links.

The first link 23 comprises for example a side portion 25 and a medial portion 26, which are respectively attached to the side plates 20 and 21. A medial device connecting 27 allows connecting one to another, reversibly, the lateral portions 25 and Medial 26. The connecting device 27 allows to tighten the shoe according to an intensity desired.

Similarly the second link 24 includes for example a side portion 28 and a medial portion 29, which are respectively attached to the side plates 20 and medial 21. Again a connecting device 30 serves to connect to each other so reversible, the lateral and medial portions 28, 29. The connecting device 30 serves to tighten shoe in a desired intensity.

The second link 24 also includes, according to the described embodiment, a division back 31. The latter extends the second link 24 to the rear, to work around the heel, or the back of the ankle or lower leg of the user. By corollary Association lateral and medial portions 28, 29 form a second division before 32 of link 24. The second link 24 therefore completely surrounds the ankle or lower leg of the user. A resulting benefit is a better fit of the foot or shoe on the seat.

It includes or not the rear division 31, the second link 24 always provides of the shoe hold feature on the device 1.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 40, so that the user can take back supports with the lower leg.

The rear support element 40 comprises a body 41 which extends longitudinally between first 42 and second 43 attachment end and a free end 44 transversely between a first edge or side edge 45 and a second edge or medial side 46, and thickness between a bearing face 47 and a free surface 48.

Of course the bearing face 47 is provided to receive the rear of the bottom leg of the user, the rear support element 40 and the base 10 being associated accordingly.

According to the embodiment described, as shown generally in Figures 1 to 6, the rear support member 40 is mounted rotatable relative to the seat 3. For this purpose the element rear support is connected to the flanges 20, 21 by means of a first joint 49, located at at the first attachment end 42, and by means of a second joint 50, located at the second attachment end 43. Each hinge 49, 50 is respectively oriented substantially along a first 51 and a second transverse axis 52 the device 1. Each articulation 49, 50 may include any component such as a screw, rivet, washer, nut, pin, or other.

Each joint 49, 50 allows a rotational movement of the rear support element 40 toward the seat 3. A resulting advantage is to facilitate storage.

According to the embodiment described, a stop 60 limits the backward rotation of the element eponymous support 40.

Not limited to the stop 60 includes a link 61 along the support element 40. The rear link 61 is arranged on the seat 3 and cooperates with the rear support member 40 to limit the rearward rotation of the rear support element 40. The road link 61 may be as follows. For example, the link 61 comprises a first portion or portion side 62 and a second portion or medial portion 63, one extending the other. Each portion 62, 63 of link 61 is connected to the base 10 respectively by a first 64 and a second link 65 low, which 64, 65 are each located in front of the first 49 or 50 of the second joint.

The link 61 is preferably constructed from a cable, the latter having a first end or lateral end 66 and a second end or medial end 67. Each of the ends 66, 67 is connected to side 20 or medial flange 21 by any means known to the skilled in the art to form the first 64 and second 65 lower connections. Using a set tip is suitable. Between the lower connections 64, 65, 61 the following cable each flange 20, 21 away in on along the rear support element 40 in a furthest position of the flanges.

More precisely, the first portion 62 and second portion 63 are each connected to the rear support member 40 by a first 68 and a second high binding 69, which are respectively located between the first 42 or second 43 fastening end and the free end 44. Without limitation the upper links 68, 69 each include first 70 and second 71 guide.

It is also provided a means for adjusting the angular position of the rear support element 40 relative to the base 10. According to this means, the stop 60 comprises a cursor 72 movable along the rear support member 40. The cursor 72 is located between guides 70, 71, maintains the cable 61. Just bring it away or cursor 72 from the free end 44 changing the free length of the portions 62, 63 of the link 61 between the lower connections 64, 65 and the rear support element 40. For this purpose any means of immobilization known to the skilled art is suitable. The immobilization means for example comprises a screw 73 to tighten or loosen the slider 72 relative to the rear support element 40. Here, the means immobilizing comprises complementary toothings 74, 75, respectively on the slider 72 and on the rear support element 40, which allow positioning of one of the other. These teeth 74, 75 are well known in the art. They 74, 75 allow immobilization by obstacle cursor over the rear support element. However, it may alternatively be provided immobilization by friction. In this case the teeth disappear in favor of regular surfaces.

According to the invention a wall 90 covers the slider 72 on the side of the free surface 48, the mean Cursor immobilization 72 through the wall 90.

The wall 90 greatly limits or even completely the arrival of foreign bodies at the slider 72. Simultaneously, the locking means is accessible to the user. thus the tilting of the rear support element can be done easily. The lack of body Foreign leaves the cursor to move easily.

According to the described embodiment the wall 90, which covers the slider 72, which is a reinforcement extends longitudinally substantially from the ends of fastener 42, 43 to the free end 44 of the rear support element 40. In the transverse direction, the reinforcement 90 extends substantially from the lateral edge 45 to the medial edge 46. Finally in thickness, reinforcement 90 has a free face 91 opposed to a front face 92. The face 91 is free merges with the free face 48 of the rear support element 40. In other words, the reinforcement 90 is the portion of the rear support member 40 remotest and largest. It gives 90 the rear support element 40 a large part of its mechanical strength. The reinforcement 90 comprises relatively rigid materials, such as metals or plastics.

The free surface 91 is substantially convex in the transverse direction, which allows the rear support member 40 to support the pulses from the user's lower leg, and better accommodate the lower leg.

The free face 91 has a curvature continuity, which is conducive to driving easy as a possible obstacle tends to slip on the face 91 without catching it. For example the powdery snow, which rubs the rear support element 40 is little or no adhesive vis-à-vis of the element 40. In other words deep snow penetration is improved.

The thickness of the reinforcement 90 is substantially constant, to facilitate the manufacture of the rear support element, as well as the cursor position adjusting screw 72. In fact 73 through the reinforcement 90 by a slot 93. The latter 93 is longitudinally oriented relative to the rear support element 40, through the toothing 75, as the toothing 75 is located the reinforcement 90. A constant thickness of the reinforcement 90 allows a cursor immobilization 72, or release, for the same number of screw turns. This irrespective of the position longitudinally of the screw 73 in the slot 93.

To allow manipulation without tools, there is provided a handle 94 associated with the screw 73. For example the handle 94 is articulated with respect to the screw 73. The handle 94 can be deployed for rotating the screw 73, as is the case in Figure 6. In contrast the handle 94 can be folded to save space, as is the case in Figures 1 to 5.

Of course any other mode of operation of the screw can be expected, including employment a tool.

Alternatively other cursor immobilization means may be provided, as a cam mechanism.

According to the embodiment described, the slider 72 is movable relative to the reinforcement 90 which covers the slider 72. Since the reinforcement 90 is a continuous piece connected to the seat 3, the element 40 back support is held in angular position as soon as the cursor 72 is immobilized.

It appears that the cursor 72 and the handle 94 are on either side of the respectively same or reinforcement wall 90. The cursor 72 is on the side of the shoe, opposite the face previous 92 while the handle 94 is on the side of the free face 91, user accessible in all cases.

Corollary by the toothing 75 of the rear support member 40 is on the side of the shoe, on the front face 92.

To improve the mechanical strength of the rear support element, there is provided a means stiffening. This comprises for example ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 projecting relative to the front face 92. In addition to a stiffening function, the ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 allow to maintain a low weight to the rear support element 40.

As we well especially with Figure 6, there is provided a hood 99 to form at least partially the bearing face 47 of the rear support member 40. The hood 99 rests on the ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 and on the front side 92. Thus it can 99 forward supports, from the user's lower leg, to the wall or reinforcement 90. Accordingly these supports are transmitted to the stop 60.

The cap 99 covers the slider 72 and the teeth 74, 75 on the side of the bearing face 47. With the reinforcement 90, the cover 99 form a chamber 100 for the slider 72. The enclosure is home almost closed, with the exception of the slot 93 for the passage of the screw 73, and guides 70, 71 for passage of the link 60. The slot 93 is of reduced size compared to the cursor 72, and over the handle 94 covers at least part of the slot, so that the foreign matter not substantially penetrate the enclosure 100. At the guides 70, 71, the game between the link 60 and each guide is reduced, also making the passage of foreign bodies almost impossible. And adjusting the position of the cursor 72 is in good conditions.

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 embodiment described, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular it can be provided a different architecture to the rear support element.

It has been described a rear support element 40 with a rear wall or reinforcement 90 which extends substantially the entire surface of the element 40, a cover 99 from the front cover to form an enclosure 100. However the reverse is possible. The reinforcement can be in the front, hood cover from the rear. In the latter case the cursor is also housed between a reinforcement and a cover. But then this is the cover which serves as the top wall of the cursor within the meaning of the invention.

Of course the cover wall, it is formed by the backing or by the cover, can have a relief such as for example one that would delimit a small enclosure for movement of the cursor. The free surface 48 would then have a hollow bump.

In a complementary manner, it can be provided one or several deformable plugs in the slot 93 through which the screw 73. These plugs would be more or less according to tablets position of the screw in the slot. The plugs further improve the sealing of the enclosure 100.