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

p0001The invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus.

p0002Such devices are used for surfing on snow or snowboard, ski on snow or on water, snow shoeing, skating of, or otherwise.

p0003Some 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 opposite to a free face member, the bearing face receiving the lower leg.

p0004The seat is associated with the rear support element as follows. Firstly the seat extends lengthwise from a rear end to a front end. The rear support for its part has a fastening end opposite to a free end element, a substantially transverse articulation axis connecting the fastening end to the seat. The rear support element is rotatably mounted with respect to the seat. The joint reduces the size of the device for storage, toggling the rear support member forward.

p0005A stop is provided for limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support element. The stop is adjustable, to adapt the device to the user. To this end the stop comprises a cursor movable along the rear support element, and a cursor securing means on the rear support element. It suffices to act on the locking means to be able to adjust the cursor position, and therefore the angular position of the rear support element with respect to the seat.

p0006Typically the thumb and the immobilization means are located toward 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 locking means is directly accessible. This is a use of the device characteristic.

p0007In the case of snowboarding it is notably possible to adjust the angular position of the rear support element with respect to the frame, without detaching.

p0008However it appeared that in some circumstances, the adjustment of the cursor position is difficult. This can occur when foreign bodies impede the movement of capital or the cursor along the rear support element.

p0009For example snowboard snow or ice, sometimes a barrier to the movement or cursor asset. The latter generally has a tooth for cooperating with a toothing of the rear support element. If snow or ice is lodged in the teeth cursor movement becomes difficult or impossible in some extreme cases. It is the same for immobilization as taking teeth is not done, or at least not properly. The user must clean his device, which is often long and cumbersome.

p0010By document <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20030415857A"><text>US 2003/0415857</text></patcit>, The prior art has proposed a device in which the rear support element is adjustable in height. For that this element comprises two parts connected by an adjusting arm. It is expected that the cursor securing means performs, in addition the immobilizer function one end of the arm relative to one of the parts. The structure adopted for the arm forms a wall covering the cursor CO side of the free surface, the immobilizing means extending through the wall.

p0011Thus the device according to the document <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20030015857A"><text>US 2003/0015857</text></patcit> provides a slider protection, which prevents or at least reduces the risk of soiling. However, the adjustment of the cursor position remains difficult as the adjustment arm represents an obstacle.

p0012The invention aims in particular to facilitate the cursor along the rear support element, or its capital.

p0013To 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 bearing face opposite to a free face, the rear support element being rotatably mounted with respect to the seat, an abutment limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support element, the abutment having a cursor movable along the rear support element, and a cursor securing means on the rear support element, a wall covering the cursor on the side of the free surface, the immobilizing means extending through the wall.

p0014The reception device according to the invention is characterized in that a hood-shaped portion at least the bearing face of the rear support element.

p0015The wall greatly limits or even completely the arrival of foreign bodies at the cursor. With the wall, the cap forms an enclosure for the reception of the cursor. The enclosure is almost closed. Simultaneously, the immobilizing means is accessible to the user. And 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 tilt adjustment of the rear support element.

p0016Other 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 non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be achieved, and which :<ul><li>the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is a front perspective view of a docking device according to the embodiment of the invention,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> is a partial view of the device, similar to the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">3</figref> is a side view of the device of <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0004">4</figref> is a rear view of the device of <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0005">5</figref> is a partial front view of the device of <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>,</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0006">6</figref> is a sectional view along VI-VI of <figref idrefs="f0004">4</figref>.</li></ul>

p0017Although the form described below relates rather to the field of snowboarding, it is understood that it also applies to other areas as mentioned before.

p0018The embodiment is presented using the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Figures 1 to 6</figref>.

p0019As seen in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> in perspective, a host device 1 allows the temporary reception on a board 2 of a not shown shoe.

p0020In 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 second edge 6 7.

p0021The seat 3 has an upper surface 8 intended to be facing the sole of the boot, and a bottom side 9 designed to be above the board 2.

p0022The seat 3 preferably comprises a base 10 covered with a cushion 11. The base 10 is a rigid part which delimits at least partly the bottom face 9. The cushion 11 about it delimits at least partly the upper face 8. According to the embodiment described, the pad 11 extends from the rear end 4 to the front end 5 of the seat 3. This allows a cushioned contact 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.

p0023Of 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.

p0024The seat 3 is retained to the board 2 by a means formed as a disc, which is itself retained to the board 2 with screws.

p0025Of course, other means for holding the seat 3 may be provided.

p0026The seat 3 is bordered laterally by a first part represented as a first flange 20 and by a second part shown in the form of a second flange 21. In this case the first flange 20 is lateral and the second 21 is medial, but it could have been otherwise. The flanges 20, 21 delimit a reception area 22 of the boot. When the latter is in place on the device 1, the flanges 20, 21 laterally along the sole. Of course it could be provided other than the flanges 20, 21 to form the lateral and medial sides. For example stops may agree.

p0027Preferably, the base 10 and the flanges 20, 21 form a single piece made for example of synthetic material. However it could be expected that the flanges 20, 21 are parts affixed to the base by any means, such as gluing, welding, screwing, fitting, or other.

p0028It is also planned two links to releasably hold the shoe on the seat 3, between the flanges 20, 21, in the reception area 22.

p0029A 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.

p0030Each link 23, 24 extends transversely between the flanges 20, 21.

p0031Of course it could be provided a number of different links.

p0032The first link 23 comprises for example a side portion 25 and a medial portion 26, which are respectively attached to the lateral flanges 20 and 21. A medial connecting device 27 can connect to one another, reversibly, the lateral and medial portions 25, 26. the connecting device 27 allows to tighten the shoe in a desired intensity.

p0033In the same way the second link 24 comprises for example a side portion 28 and a medial portion 29, which are respectively attached to the lateral flanges 20 and 21. Again a medial connection 30 device can connect to one another reversibly, the lateral portions 28 and 29. the medial connecting device 30 serves to tighten the shoe according to a desired intensity.

p0034The second link 24 also includes, according to the described embodiment, a back division 31. The latter extends the second link 24 to the rear, to work around the heel or back of the ankle or lower leg of the user. By corollary Association of lateral and medial portions 28, 29 form a second division before 32 of link 24. The second link 24 thus 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.

p0035It includes or not the rear division 31, the second link 24 always allows the shoe hold function on the device 1.

p0036The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 40, so that the user can take back support with the lower leg.

p0037The rear support 40 comprises a body 41 which extends longitudinally between first 42 and second 43 ends of fastener element and a free end 44 transversely between a first edge or side edge 45 and a second edge or medial edge 46, and in thickness between a bearing face 47 and a free surface 48.

p0038Of course the bearing face 47 is provided for receiving the back of the user's lower leg, the rear support member 40 and the base 10 being associated accordingly.

p0039According to the embodiment described, as seen generally on <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Figures 1 to 6</figref>, The rear support member 40 is mounted rotatable relative to the seat 3. For this purpose the rear support element is connected to the flanges 20, 21 by means of a first joint 49, located 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 of the device 1. Each articulation 49, 50 may include any component such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a pin, or otherwise.

p0040Each joint 49, 50 allows a rear the supporting element of rotational movement 40 to the seat 3. A resulting advantage is to facilitate storage.

p0041According to the described embodiment, a stop 60 limits the rearward rotation of the eponymous support element 40.

p0042Not limited the way stop 60 includes a link 61 along the rear support element 40. The link 61 is arranged on the seat 3 and cooperates with the rear support member 40 to limit the rotation to the back of the rear support element 40. the path of the link 61 can be made as follows. For example, the link 61 comprises a first portion or side portion 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 65 low bond, which 64, 65 are each located in front of the first 49 or second 50 joint.

p0043The 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 end 66, 67 is connected to the lateral or medial flange 20 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 low 64 connections, 65, the cable 61 follows each flange 20, 21 by moving away, to walk along the rear support element 40 in a position farther flanges.

p0044More 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 comprise a first 70 and second 71 guide.

p0045It is also provided a means for adjusting the angular position of the rear support element 40 relative to the base 10. In this way, the stopper 60 includes a slider 72 movable along the rear support element 40. the cursor 72, located between the guides 70, 71, holds the cable 61. Just bring it away or cursor 72 from the free end 44 to change the free length of the portions 62, 63 of link 61, between the lower connections 64, 65 and the rear support element 40. for this purpose any means of immobilization known to the 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 securing means includes complementary teeth 74, 75 respectively on the slider 72 and over the rear support element 40, which allow positioning of one over the other. These teeth 74, 75 are well known in the art. These 74, 75 allow immobilization cursor obstacle relative to the rear support element. However, it may alternatively be provided immobilization by friction. In this case the teeth disappear in favor of regular surfaces.

p0046According to the invention a wall 90 covers the slider 72 on the side of the free surface 48, the locking means of the slider 72 through the wall 90.

p0047The wall 90 greatly limits or even completely the arrival of foreign bodies on the slider 72. Simultaneously, the locking means is accessible to the user. And the tilt adjustment of the rear support element can be done easily. The absence of foreign body leaves the cursor to move easily.

p0048According to the described embodiment the wall 90, which covers the slider 72, is a reinforcement that extends longitudinally substantially from fastening ends 42, 43 to the free end 44 of the support element back 40. in the transverse direction, the reinforcement 90 extends substantially from the lateral edge 45 to the medial edge 46. Finally in thickness, the reinforcement 90 has a free face 91 opposite to a front face 92. the free surface 91 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. 90 it gives the rear support element 40 a large part of its mechanical strength. The reinforcement 90 comprises relatively rigid materials, such as metals or plastics.

p0049The free surface 91 is substantially convex in the transverse direction, allowing the rear support member 40 for supporting the pulses from the user's lower leg, and better accommodate the lower leg.

p0050Free 91 has a curvature continuous surface, which is conducive to easy as a possible obstacle driving tends to slip on the face 91 without catching it. For example powdery snow which rubs the rear support element 40 is little or no adhesive vis-à-vis the member 40. In other words deep snow penetration is improved.

p0051The thickness of the reinforcement 90 is substantially constant, to facilitate manufacture of the rear support element, as well as the cursor position control 72. In fact the screw 73 passes through the reinforcement 90 by a slot 93. The latter 93 is oriented longitudinally with respect to the rear support element 40, through the toothing 75, since the teeth 75 from the backing 90. a constant thickness of the reinforcement 90 allows immobilization of the cursor 72, or release, for the same number of screw turns. This irrespective of the longitudinal position of the screw 73 into the slot 93.

p0052To 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 to turn the screw 73, as is the case in <figref idrefs="f0006">6</figref>. On the contrary the handle 94 can be folded down to save space, as is the case in<figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figures 1 to 5</figref>.

p0053Of course any other mode of operation of the screw can be provided, including the use of a tool.

p0054Alternatively other cursor immobilization means may be provided, as a cam mechanism.

p0055According to the embodiment described, the slider 72 is movable relative to the reinforcement 90 that covers the slider 72. Since the reinforcement 90 is a continuous piece connected to the seat 3, the rear support element 40 is held angular position as soon as the slider 72 is locked.

p0056It appears that the cursor 72 and the handle 94 are on respective sides of the same wall or reinforcement 90. The cursor 72 is on the side of the shoe, opposite the front face 92, while the handle 94 is the side of the free surface 91, accessible to the user in all cases.

p0057Corollary by the toothing 75 of the rear support member 40 is on the side of the shoe, on the front side 92.

p0058To improve the mechanical strength of the rear support element, there is provided a stiffening means. This comprises for example ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 projecting from the front face 92. In addition to a stiffening function, the ribs 95, 96, 97, 98 allow to maintain low mass for the rear support element 40.

p0059As we well especially with the <figref idrefs="f0006">6</figref>There is provided a cover 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, as well as on the face anterior 92. Thus it can transmit 99 supports, from the user's lower leg, to the wall or reinforcement 90. accordingly these supports are transmitted to the stop 60.

p0060The cap 99 covers the slider 72 and the teeth 74, 75 on the side of the support surface 47. With the reinforcement 90, the hood 99 forms a chamber 100 for the host cursor 72. The enclosure is 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 the least part of the slot, so that the foreign body does not substantially penetrate the enclosure 100. at the guides 70, 71, the clearance 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.

p0061In general, the invention is made from materials and using techniques of implementation known to those skilled in the art.

p0062Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

p0063In particular it can be provided a different architecture to the rear support element.

p0064It has been described a rear support element 40 with a rear wall or reinforcement 90 which extends substantially over 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 at the front, hood cover from the rear. In the latter case the cursor is also housed between a reinforcement and a cover. But then the hood that functions as the cursor cover wall in the sense of the invention.

p0065Of course the cover wall, it is formed by the backing or by the cover, can have a relief such for example as that delimit a reduced chamber for the circulation of the cursor. The free surface 48 would then have a hollow bump.

p0066In a complementary manner, it can be provided one or several deformable plugs into the slot 93 traversed by the screws 73. These plugs would be more or less compressed by the screw position in the slot. The plugs further improve the sealing of the enclosure 100.